Spousal age differences and violence against women in Nigeria and Tanzania

ABSTRACT

Much research has been conducted on the extent of violence against women (VAW) and the underlying risk factors associated with VAW. Unfortunately, research into the implications of spousal age-related factors for VAW remains underexplored. This study explored the implications of spousal age gaps for VAW in Tanzania and Nigeria. Data from the 2008 Nigeria (n = 33,385) and 2010 Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) (n = 10,139) for women aged 15–49 years were used. We used univariate and multivariate statistical analyses to assess the relationship between VAW and spousal age-related contextual factors. Nearly half (44.00%) of Tanzanian participants and 42.48% of Nigerian participants reported having experienced VAW. Results from the multiple logistic regression models across the two countries showed that a spousal age gap of more than 15 years, region of residence, lower age at marriage, and lower educational attainment were statistically associated with VAW. The contexts in which women live are associated with their experiencing violence. Less educated women and young women were more likely to report having experienced partner violence compared to their older, more educated counterparts in both countries.