Family Stability as a Protective Factor against Domestic Violence: A Mixed-Methods Comparative Cross-Sectional Study in Kwara State, Nigeria

Angela Adaku Elegbua; Obinna Elegbua; Abdullahi Shehu; Hafsat Abolore Ameen; Dooshima Alicia Belabo; Oluwaseun Opeyemi Adesoye; Adeyemi Taiwo Adegboye; Adeyemi David Kolawole; 8.	Nuru Suleiman Muhammad

doi:10.5455/JPHCM.20251104083616

Abstract
Background
Domestic violence (DV) remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, with substantial consequences for women’s physical, mental, and social well-being. While several socio-demographic risk factors have been recognized, limited evidence exists on the protective role of family stability against domestic violence. This study examined the association between family stability and domestic violence among married women in rural and urban communities in Kwara State, Nigeria.
Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 518 married women (259 rural, 259 urban) selected from rural and urban communities in Kwara State. This study was conducted from august 2021 to November, 2022. Quantitative data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Key informant interview (KII) and In-depth Interview (IDI) covering socio-demographic characteristics, domestic violence experience, spousal communication, and family stability were used in collecting qualitative data. Domestic violence experience (yes/no) was the outcome variable. Family stability (appropriate vs. inappropriate) was the primary exposure. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for age, education, employment status, household income, type of marriage, spousal communication, and place of residence. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
Overall, 51.9% of respondents reported having experienced domestic violence, with a significantly higher prevalence in rural communities (57.5%) compared with urban communities (45.7%). Physical violence was the most common form of abuse. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, women from families with appropriate family stability had significantly lower odds of experiencing domestic violence compared with those from unstable families (adjusted OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.28–0.61).
Conclusion
Family stability is a significant protective factor against domestic violence among married women in Kwara State. Interventions aimed at preventing DV should incorporate family-centered approaches that promote stable family environments and effective spousal communication alongside broader socioeconomic and legal interventions.

Key words: KEYWORDS: Domestic violence, family stability, rural, urban.