Factors associated with violence against women of reproductive age in the Wangata Health Zone, Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction: Violence against women of reproductive age in the Wangata Health Zone has severe consequences, including unwanted and early pregnancies and cases of fistula. This study aimed to identify factors associated with such violence in Équateur Province, Democratic Republic of Congo. Methodology: A cross ‑sectional analytical study was conducted between January and March 2024, among 369 women living in conjugal households. Participants were selected through four ‑stage probabilistic sampling. Data were collected via interviews using Android phones with KOBO COLLECT V2021.3.4 and analyzed with SPSS V.25. Prevalence and associated factors were assessed using multivariate logistic regression, calculating Odds Ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals. Results: Nearly 90% of women reported knowledge of different forms of violence. About 64.8% had both heard of and experienced violence, while 35.2% had not. More than half (51.8%) experienced insults or shouting, 40.7% physical violence, 31.2% sexual pressure, and 26.6% forced sexual intercourse. Threats with weapons affected 11.9%. Women in Balako, Bosomba, De la Rive, and De la Ville health areas were less likely to experience violence (ORa=0.16; 0.09; 0.02; 0.13). Conversely, women in free unions (ORa=4.08) and health professionals (ORa=10.94) were more vulnerable. Limited knowledge of violence was also a risk factor (ORa=3.30). Conclusion: The majority of women in Wangata have experienced violence. Women in free unions and health professionals are particularly at risk, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and targeted prevention strategies to reduce violence.