Physical partner violence, women’s economic status and help-seeking behaviour in Dar es Salaam and Mbeya, Tanzania

Background and Purpose: Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder which impacts a person’s ability to successfully function in the community. When it interacts with structural and situational stress like poverty, homelessness and unemployment, it can lead to negative experiences and makes a person vulnerable to abuse or even develop resilience or retaining a meaningful life within the limitation of the disorder. The study aims to understand how individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia define and evaluate their experience of living in the community; personal and environmental strengths, impact of illness on their personal and social life, the challenges and barriers they meet in their day to day life and how they overcome those challenges. Methods: The study focuses on lived experiences and deriving meaning from those experiences from a service user perspective. Therefore, Hermeneutic phenomenological approach will be used. In-depth interviews will be conducted over the course of four months to elicit client’s narratives of their experiences. The interviews are transcribed, read and coded to cluster thematic aspects in each case by using ATLAS.ti.v.7. Data will be collected till saturation point is reached and participants are from various age-group, socio-economic status, ethnicity and educational background, living in the Community. Implication: Participants’ stories would narrate sources of strength, process of normalization, describing instances of discrimination, social and structural factors which they encounter affecting their help-seeking behaviour and how these factors act as facilitator and barriers in their day to day life. Findings would suggest the need for advocacy services which are discussed through recommendations and suggestions.

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Experience of Intimate Partner Violence and Help-Seeking Behaviour among Women in Uganda

Psych ◽

10.3390/psych1010013 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 1 (1) ◽

pp. 182-192 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Bishwajit Ghose ◽

Sanni Yaya

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Health Survey ◽

Alcohol Drinking ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Demographic And Health Survey ◽

Healthcare Use ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour ◽

Seeking Help

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is recognised as a fundamental violation of women’s human rights and a widespread phenomenon in Africa. Women’s low socioeconomic empowerment, cultural acceptability, and lack of social support exacerbate the health and psychosocial outcomes of IPV among African women. To date, there is no systematic research on IPV and its association with healthcare use among adult women in Uganda. Therefore, we conducted the present study on IPV among Ugandan women of childbearing age (15–49 years). Cross-sectional data on 7536 women were collected from the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS—Uganda Demographic and Health Survey 2016). The objectives were to assess the predictors of IPV as well as help-seeking behaviour for victims of IPV. IPV was assessed by women’s experience of physical, emotional and sexual violence and healthcare use was assessed by self-reported medical visits during the last 12 months. Logistic regression methods were used to analyse the data. According to descriptive findings, which showed that more than half of the women reported experiencing any IPV (55.3%, 95%CI = 53.6, 57.0), emotional IPV (41.2%, 95%CI = 39.6, 42.8) was the most prevalent of all three categories, followed by physical (39.3%, 95%CI = 37.7, 40.9) and sexual IPV (22.0%, 95%CI = 20.7, 23.3). In the multivariate analysis, higher age, rural residence, religious background (non-Christian), ethnicity (Banyankore and Itseo), secondary/higher education and husband’s alcohol drinking habit were positively associated with women’s experience of IPV. Husband’s alcohol drinking was found to be a significant barrier to seeking help among those who experienced IPV. In conclusion, our findings suggest a noticeably high prevalence of IPV among Ugandan women. There are important sociodemographic and cultural patterns in the occurrence of IPV that need to be taken into account when designing intervention policies. Special attention should be given to women living with husbands/partners who drink alcohol, as this might increase their odds of experiencing IPV, as well as reduce the likelihood of seeking help.

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Prevalence, correlates and help-seeking behaviour for depressive symptoms in rural Uganda: a population-based survey

Global Mental Health ◽

10.1017/gmh.2019.25 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

J. Ssebunnya ◽

G. Medhin ◽

S. Kangere ◽

F. Kigozi ◽

J. Nakku ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Middle Age ◽

Past History ◽

Economic Status ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Socio Economic Status ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour

Background.Depression is a common disorder characterized by delayed help-seeking, often remaining undetected and untreated.Objectives.We sought to estimate the proportion of adults in Kamuli District with depressive symptoms and to assess their help-seeking behaviour.Methods.This was a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in a rural district in Uganda. Sampling of study participants was done using the probability proportional to size method. Screening for depression was done using Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The participants who screened positive also reported on whether and where they had sought treatment. Data collected using PHQ-9 was used both as a symptom-based description of depression and algorithm diagnosis of major depression. All data analysis was done using STATA version 13.Results.With a cut-off score of ⩾10, 6.4% screened positive for current depressive symptoms and 23.6% reported experiencing depressive symptoms in the past 12 months. The majority of individuals who screened positive for current depression (75.6%) were females. In a crude analysis, people with lower education, middle age and low socio-economic status were more likely to have depressive symptoms. Help-seeking was low, with only 18.9% of the individuals who screened positive for current depression having sought treatment from a health worker.Conclusion.Depressive symptoms are common in the study district with low levels of help-seeking practices. People with lower levels of education, low socio-economic status and those in middle age are more likely to be affected by these symptoms. Most persons with current depression had past history of depressive symptoms.

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Help-seeking behaviour of Serbian women who experienced intimate partner violence

Family Practice ◽

10.1093/fampra/cmr061 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 29 (2) ◽

pp. 189-195 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

B. Djikanovic ◽

S. Lo Fo Wong ◽

H. A. F. M. Jansen ◽

S. Koso ◽

S. Simic ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour

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Geographic variation and determinants of help seeking behaviour among married women subjected to intimate partner violence: evidence from national population survey

International Journal for Equity in Health ◽

10.1186/s12939-020-01355-5 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Muluken Dessalegn Muluneh ◽

Yeshemebet Worku Alemu ◽

Maereg Wagnew Meazaw

Keyword(s):

Partner Violence ◽

Employment Status ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Physical Violence ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Married Women ◽

Multiple Logistic Regression ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour ◽

Controlling Behaviour

Abstract Background Help seeking behaviour amongst married women who experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) has received limited attention in Africa. This study examines the geographic variation and investigates determinants of help seeking behaviour amongst married women in Ethiopia. Methods This study analysed data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS). Data was extracted for married women age 15–49 years old who experienced IPV. Factors associated with help seeking behaviour were identified using multiple logistic regression adjusted for clustering and weighing. The weighted proportion of factors associated with help seeking behaviour was exported to ArcGIS to conduct autocorrelation analysis. Results The prevalence of help seeking behaviour among married women who experienced IPV was 19.8% (95% CI: 15.9–24.3%). Only 9.2% of them sought help from a formal source (such as police, lawyer or doctor). Multiple logistic regression analyses showed physical violence (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.76), educational attainment (AOR=2.1), a partner’s alcohol consumption (AOR=1.9), partner’s controlling behaviour (AOR= 2.4), partner’s employment status, (AOR= 1.9) and wealth index (AOR=2.8) were significantly associated factors with help seeking behaviour among married women who experienced IPV in Ethiopia (P< 0.05). Women in Benishangul-Gumuz, Gambella, Harari, Western and Eastern Amhara, and Afar had the lowest odds of help seeking behaviour (P< 0.001) after experiencing IPV. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest that poor help seeking behaviour for married women experiencing IPV is a significant public health problem in Ethiopia. Multiple interrelated factors were associated with poor help seeking behaviour. These factors include women’s level of educational attainment, women experiencing physical violence, partners exhibiting controlling behaviour, partner’s alcohol consumption, the employment status of the partner, and wealth status of the household were important predictors of help seeking behaviour. Policies and interventions need to be tailored to address these factors to improve women’s health outcomes and to prevent IPV.

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Voices of torture survivors in Tanzania: A qualitative study

Torture Journal ◽

10.7146/torture.v28i3.111199 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 28 (3) ◽

pp. 92-103

Author(s):

Maha Aon ◽

Harold Sungusia ◽

Marie Brasholt ◽

Brenda Van Den Bergh ◽

Jens Modvig

Keyword(s):

Qualitative Research ◽

Qualitative Study ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Sleep Problems ◽

Dar Es Salaam ◽

Torture Survivors ◽

Psychological Consequences ◽

Public Authorities ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour ◽

Gun Shot

Introduction: No published research has been found on torture in Tanzania, but individual cases were documented by human rights organisations. The aim of this study was to explore the salient physical, mental and social effects of torture in the country, and help-seeking behaviour by giving voice to a group of torture survivors in Dar-es-Salaam and Zanzibar City (Zanzibar). Methods: This explorative qualitative study consisted of 14 semi-structured in-depth interviews (12 males, 2 females) of which eight took place in Dar-es-Salaam and six in Zanzibar. Informants were selected purposefully through a mix of snowball and convenience sampling. Both the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) were followed. Results: Using the UNCAT definition of torture, all informants reported having been tortured within the past two years. The most common form of torture was beating with clubs to the joints. Other torture included, but was not limited to, gun shot, toenail removal and ‘poulet roti’. The most common physical consequence was persistent pain. Psychological consequences included suicidal ideation and sleep problems. Most interviewees lost their jobs as a result of the torture incident, instigating a cascade of financial and social problems. Conclusion: The findings present informants’ exposure to deliberate torture at the hands of public authorities. Informants confirmed their exposure to torture methods that had been previously reported by nongovernmental organisations. They also talked about exposure to more advanced, and previously undocumented, torture methods. Informants displayed a dire need for mental and physical health care, but had limited access to such care. Research is needed to better understand the magnitude, prevalence and context of torture in Tanzania.

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https://threequayspublishing.com/product/exploring-the-use-of-safety-strategies-by-victims-of-interpersonal-violence-a-systematic-review/

Abuse: An International Impact Journal ◽

10.37576/abuse.2021.024 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 33-54

Author(s):

Thomas Nally ◽

◽

Jane L. Ireland ◽

Philip Birch ◽

◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Interpersonal Violence ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Seeking Safety ◽

Multiple Strategies ◽

Safety Strategies ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour ◽

Seeking Help ◽

And Coping

This systematic review analysed 61 papers, from an initial search result of 3,540 papers, to explore how victims of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and interpersonal violence manage their victimisation. The review yielded five themes, centred on evidence for safety strategies adopted by those affected by IPV or interpersonal violence. These comprised; Victims seek help following interpersonal violence; Victims of interpersonal violence experience barriers to seeking help; Victims use multiple strategies to manage experiences of abuse; Victims of interpersonal violence cope in multiple ways; The help-seeking behaviours of victims are contextual. The findings indicated that victims of IPV and interpersonal violence utilise a range of strategies, including help-seeking, safety enhancing strategies and coping strategies, in response to their victimisation. It also indicated that there are significant barriers preventing help-seeking and victimisation reporting. The findings are discussed in relation to the help seeking behaviour of victims and how this may be impacted by barriers at different stages of the help-seeking process.

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Community effects on women’s help-seeking behaviour for intimate partner violence in India: gender disparity, feminist theory, and empowerment

Violence against Women in India ◽

10.4324/9781351167925-7 ◽

2019 ◽

pp. 79-94 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Brittany E. Hayes ◽

Cortney A. Franklin

Keyword(s):

Intimate Partner Violence ◽

Feminist Theory ◽

Partner Violence ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Intimate Partner ◽

Gender Disparity ◽

Community Effects ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour

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Reaching out and seeking help from frontline professionals: experiences of men perpetrating partner violence

Journal of Gender-Based Violence ◽

10.1332/239868020x16040660254792 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Mathilde Sengoelge ◽

Alvaro Ponce ◽

Elisabeth Perry ◽

Alessandra Pauncz ◽

Heinrich Geldschlager

Keyword(s):

Partner Violence ◽

Help Seeking ◽

Group Discussion ◽

Emotional Impact ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Violent Behaviour ◽

Professional Help ◽

Help Seeking Behaviour ◽

Seeking Help ◽

Practice Skills

Background: Research on help-seeking behaviour in partner violence has mainly focused on victims. This article reports on a multi-country qualitative study exploring the views and experiences of men perpetrating partner violence and their contact with frontline professionals. The study was part of a wider programme of training for professionals to enable disclosure of domestic violence by perpetrators (project ENGAGE).Methods: Eleven semi]structured interviews and one focus group discussion with seven men were conducted and thematic analysis was used to analyse their responses. Emphasis was on understanding how professionalsf responses prevented or facilitated disclosure and seeking support and/or professional help.Results: The men revealed the difficulties they face in the process of disclosure and that help-seeking from non-specialised professionals had a negative emotional impact for most men. Four themes emerged: barriers to help-seeking for men; helpful responses from professionals; unhelpful responses to avoid; and recommendations for professionals to improve their interactions with men.Conclusion: This study has implications for the training of frontline professionals and underlines the need for changes in services to ensure that all men consistently receive an appropriate response and are directed to perpetrator programmes or specialised services.<br />Key messages<br /><ul><li>Men who sought help from frontline professionals for their violent behaviour towards their partners found it helpful when frontline professionals in a respectful and non-judgemental manner assisted men to find words to disclose their behaviour.</li><br /><li>They also needed support in identifying their responsibility for the violence and to provide a sense of hope that change is possible.</li><br /><li>Frontline professionals require training to gain and practice skills in communicating with men about their violent behaviour and support them in the referral process to specialised services.</li></ul>

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