Assessment of Spousal Violence Prevalence and Its Determinants Among Married Women in Kogi State

Spousal violence is a significant public health and human rights concern with demographic consequences including excess female mortality and fertility disruption, and its prevalence and determinants in Kogi State provide evidence for targeted response programming. This study assessed the prevalence and sociodemographic determinants of spousal violence among currently married women aged 18 to 49 in Lokoja, Ajaokuta, and Ofu Local Government Areas, Kogi State, North Central Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of 320 married women collected data on experience of physical, psychological, and sexual violence from a spouse, perpetrator characteristics, and sociodemographic context. The Revised Conflict Tactics Scale was adapted for use. Physical violence in the preceding 12 months was reported by 38.4 percent, psychological violence by 52.7 percent, and sexual violence by 21.9 percent. Women with no formal education showed 4.2 times higher physical violence odds than university-educated women. Alcohol use by husband was the strongest individual predictor (OR = 5.1, p < 0.001). Household poverty significantly increased violence risk. Only 14.4 percent had reported spousal violence to any authority. Recommendations include a Kogi State gender-based violence response protocol, community-based awareness campaigns on spousal violence as a legal offence, economic empowerment programmes for women, alcohol harm reduction initiatives, and accessible reporting channels for violence victims across the state. Keywords: spousal violence, gender-based violence, Kogi State, married women, domestic violence