Factors Influencing the Prevalence of Gender Based Violence Among Married Women in West Budama County, Tororo District.

Abstract

The study sought to determine factors influencing the prevalence of gender based violence among married women in West Budama County, Tororo District. This was a descriptive cross sectional study. Cluster sampling was used for the quantitative study while purposive sampling was employed for the qualitative study. Pre-tested questionnaires and interview guides were used for data collection. The study was carried out between August and September 2011. The study found that the prevalence of GBV among married women in West Budama County was 85.4%. The types of GBV suffered by the married women include physical (about 29.9%), psychological abuse (about 30%) and sexual abuse (about 40%). Socio-demographic factors influencing GBV among married women was age, low education level, religion and occupation. Other factors influencing GBV among married women in West Budama County, Tororo include polygamy, alcohol and substance abuse, cultural practises such as the payment of bride price and widow inheritance. In conclusion, the prevalence of GBV among married women in West Budama County, Tororo District is high. The types of GBV suffered by the women are physical, sexual and psychological abuse. Factors influencing GBV are low education level, polygamy, alcohol and substance abuse, cultural practises like the payment of bride price and widow inheritance among others. The practise of payment of bride price and its influence on GBV needs to be researched among a bigger study population that includes even men. Further studies on GBV should be analytical to provide information on which variables predict GBV among married women.