Exploring the Determinants of Intimate Partner Violence in the Dar es Salaam Region, Tanzania

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant global health issue and a form of gender-based violence with far-reaching consequences. Estimates indicate that 39% of married women in Tanzania have experienced spousal violence. This study investigated the factors that contribute to intimate partner violence (IPV) in the Dar es Salaam region. Methods: This quantitative study employed a cross-sectional design and questionnaires to survey 280 ever-married men and women who had experienced violence during data collection. Participants were randomly selected from social welfare departments, and logistic regression analysis was used to determine the key determinants of IPV. Results: The study identified several key determinants that significantly influenced IPV, including economic dependence (p=0.009), cohabitation (p=0.020), having multiple sexual partners (p=0.050), parental influence (p=0.032), unplanned pregnancies (p=0.042), low property ownership (p=0.006), and alcohol abuse(p=0.024). Conclusion: Traditional gender roles enforce rigid expectations for men and women and create power imbalances that perpetuate IPV. This study calls for proactive interventions by the local government and stakeholders, such as religious leaders, to reduce IPV. These include promoting economic empowerment, gender equality, and providing accessible support services for survivors.