Sex-Specific Changes and Correlates of Intimate Partner Violence in Kenya: Analyses of Nationally Representative Surveys From 2014 and 2022

Intimate partner violence (IPV) impacts both females and males with long-lasting consequences. The study investigated changes in IPV, co-occurrence of multiple forms of violence, and factors associated with IPV among females and males in Kenya. We used secondary data from the 2014 and 2022 Kenyan Demographic Health Surveys. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate changes in IPV and the association with explanatory factors stratified by sex. Among females, lifetime prevalence of any IPV was stable in 2014 versus 2022 (47.1% vs. 46.3%; OR = 1.09, 95% CI [0.98, 1.22]), and in the past year (32.6% vs. 31.1%; OR = 1.05, 95% CI [0.94, 1.18]). Psychological IPV among women increased modestly (lifetime OR = 1.31, 95% CI [1.17, 1.47]; 12-month OR = 1.18, 95% CI [1.04, 1.34]). Among males, lifetime prevalence of any IPV rose from 23.4% to 29.7% ( OR = 1.78, 95% CI [1.50, 2.12]), psychological IPV from 20.4% to 26.5% ( OR = 1.77, 95% CI [1.48, 2.12]), and sexual IPV from 3.8% to 4.9% ( OR = 1.68, 95% CI [1.16, 2.45]). Past‑12‑month any IPV ( OR = 1.38, 95% CI [1.14, 1.66]) and psychological IPV ( OR = 1.43, 95% CI [1.18, 1.73]) also increased. Across both sexes, older age, father beat mother, and perpetration of physical violence were associated with higher odds of IPV, while higher education was associated with lower odds of IPV among women but higher odds among men. Lifetime co-occurrence of three forms of IPV were reported at 8.5% versus 7.9% in women, and 1.4 versus 1.1% in men (2014 vs. 2022). While overall IPV among women remained unchanged in 2014 and 2022, psychological violence rose, and men reported significant increases in both lifetime and recent IPV. Distinct sex-specific patterns in associated factors underscore the need for sex-responsive and inclusive IPV prevention strategies, particularly interventions addressing psychological abuse and intergenerational violence.