Intimate partner violence and common mental disorders among women in Mozambique: Evidence from the 2022-2023 Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health concern and a violation of fundamental human right which disproportionately affects women and profoundly impacts mental health. This study used the 2023 Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey data to examine the association between IPV and common mental disorders (CMDs) among 2,790 reproductive-aged women in union. A composite outcome variable (CMDs), from either probable depression or anxiety, was computed using standardised thresholds. The main exposure was IPV, a composite focused on three forms: physical, emotional, and sexual, stratified by never, past, or recent exposures. A weighted binary logistic regression was performed in STATA 18/MP. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were reported. The results show that the prevalence of probable depression and anxiety was 8.6% (95% CI: 7.1-10.5) and 10.7% (95% CI: 8.7-12.9) respectively. Overall, the prevalence of CMDs was 13.5% (95% CI: 11.4-15.9), comorbid symptoms was 5.8% (95% CI: 4.5 - 7.5). The prevalence of emotional, physical, and sexual IPV was 16.1%, 12.0%, and 4.0% respectively. Women who experienced any recent IPV (aOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.36 - 3.09), or past IPV (aOR = 1.40 CI: 0.80 - 2.44) had higher odds of CMDs compared to those who did not experience IPV. After adjusting for confounders, emotional IPV (aOR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.6-3.4) remained independently associated with CMDs; physical (aOR=1.21, 95% CI: 0.73 - 2.03) and sexual IPV (1.67, 95% CI: 0.83 - 3.35) were not. Higher household wealth was protective against CMDs (aOR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.13 - 0.88), and joint household decision-making was associated with higher odds of CMDs (aOR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.08 - 3.15). The results demonstrate an interaction between marital status and IPV on CMDs, providing partial empirical support for Intersectionality theory. These findings underscore the need for regular mental health support and targeted IPV campaigns, particularly against emotional abuse among partnered women in Mozambique.