The prevalence of intimate partner violence in the family: a systematic review of the implications for adolescents in Africa
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Date
2013
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Oxford University Press.
Abstract
Background. Intimate partner violence (IPV) and its multiple effects are well documented in
Western research, but these are not adequately described in Africa. The effects of IPV on adolescent
health and well-being are not conclusive.
Objective. The aim of this review was to systematically appraise prevalence studies conducted
on the African continent to establish the prevalence of IPV and the implications of exposure on
adolescents in Africa.
Methods. A comprehensive search was conducted in May 2012 for the previous 10 years, using
databases such as Ebscohost (Medline, CINAHL, PsyArticles), Directory of Open Access Journals
(DOAJ), Project Muse and BioMed Central and also specific journals Lancet, and JSTOR. Two
reviewers independently evaluated the methodological quality of the studies reviewed.
Results. Seven eligible epidemiological studies were included in this review. Five of the studies
were conducted in South Africa, one in Liberia, and another was a multi-country study that
included Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia. The prevalence of IPV in African countries
ranged from approximately 26.5% to 48%. All studies reported exposure to family violence during
childhood.
Conclusion. The findings support the global burden of IPV. There is also a need for standardized
tools to determine IPV in Africa and a clear definition that can be used in research to allow comparison
with future IPV studies. In addition, the studies point to a need for interventions focusing
on adolescents exposed to family violence.
Description
Keywords
Adolescents, At-risk behaviour, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), Prevalence, Systematic review
Citation
Roman, N.V and Frantz J.M (2013) The prevalence of intimate partner violence in the family: a systematic review of the implications for adolescents in Africa. Family Practice, 30:1-10