Attitudes towards intimate partner violence (IPV) among women in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan: An empirical investigation using Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS)

Background: IPV is a global health problem that violates women's human rights. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of acceptance of IPV in three central Asian countries.

Methods: The MICS are UNICEF-supported, population-based, household surveys that monitor women's situation in developing countries. In 2005-2006, 14560, 6973, and 10243 women (15-49 years) were interviewed in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan respectively. Women were asked if they approved of a husband beating his wife in five situations: if she argues with him, goes out without permission, refuses sex, neglects children, and burns food. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used for data analysis. Estimates were weighted at the national level and adjustments were made for design effects.

Results: The prevalence of IPV acceptance was 10.4%, 37.7% and 74.4% in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan respectively. Married, poor, and less educated women and women younger than their spouses by ten or more years were more likely to accept IPV. Youngest women (15-19 years) were least likely to accept IPV in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, whereas in Tajikistan, they had the highest acceptance level. Rural women were more tolerant of IPV in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan but not in Kazakhstan.

Conclusion: High IPV tolerance in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan warrant urgent attention of public health researchers and practitioners. Higher levels of education, economic growth and so on, can reduce the acceptance of IPV. However, the real challenge is to confront cultural norms about gender identities and wife abuse. The relatively low prevalence in Kazakhstan needs further exploration.