Prevalence and Associated Factors of Different Forms of Domestic Violence Against Women in Egypt: A Multivariable Binary Logistic Regression

Recognizing domestic violence against women as a significant public health and human rights issue, this study was conducted to broaden understanding of spousal violence in Egypt. Using data from the 2021 Egypt Family Health Survey, a nationally representative survey, this study aims to determine the factors associated with women's exposure to physical, sexual, and psychological violence. The analysis is based on a sample of 8,944 ever-married women aged 15-49. Multivariable binary logistic regression and weighted descriptive statistics, accounting for the complex survey design and sample weights, were employed for the analysis.Multivariable analysis identified common and distinct factors. Common factors across all three domestic violence types were marital status (divorced/separated), spousal control behaviors, fear of husband, husband’s substance use, and the number of reasons for which wife-beating is justified. Increased wealth protected against physical and psychological violence, but not against sexual violence. Regional variation is associated with physical and sexual violence. Relationship structural characteristics (spousal education difference, the number of living children) are associated with physical and psychological violence, while spousal age difference is associated with sexual violence. Participating in household decision-making was a protective factor for both sexual and psychological violence, while earning more than the husband was a major risk factor for psychological violence. In conclusion, domestic violence is prevalent in Egypt, and several socio-demographic, socioeconomic, and relational factors are associated with it. Programs designed in Egypt for each of these factor profiles are needed, given this variation by type of violence. Culture-specific, multisectored interventions to change harmful norms, undermine attitudes, reform power structures, decrease control behavior, and combat drug use are needed, as well as targeted programs for populations at high risk.