DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND RELIGIOUS VARIATIONS AMONG MARRIED WOMEN IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Authors

  • Ignatius O. Nwimo Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria
  • Stella Maris Ngozi Anyanwu Department of Health Education, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
  • Aloysius Munachim Ohaja Department of Health Education, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
  • Chukwuemeka O. O. Aletta Department of Health Education, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
  • Kenneth Nnachetam Nwafor Department of Family Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
  • Chijioke Vitalus Iloke Department of Community Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
  • Raphael E. Ochiaka Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Enugu State University of Science and Technology. Nigeria
  • Ivoke Mariajacinta Ukamaka Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria
  • Patrick Eni Eluu Department of Arts and Social Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria
  • Christian O. Aleke Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejphs.v9i3.278

Keywords:

domestic violence, religious variations, married women, Imo state

Abstract

Domestic violence among married women is a significant public health concern. However, despite global efforts to combat the menace, it remains pervasive in many communities in Nigeria. This study investigates domestic violence and religious variations among married women in imo state. The descriptive cross-sectional analytical design was applied. A total of 400 women were recruited for the study. The participants were recruited using a multistage sampling procedure, while a semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using frequency counts and percentages to address the research questions, while hypotheses were tested at p<0.05 using Chi-square. Findings show that domestic abuse was prevalent across both groups, with 42.2% of Christian women and 47.4% of non-Christian women reporting having experienced domestic violence. This analysis suggests that while there are slight differences in the reported prevalence between Christian and non-Christian women, domestic violence remains a significant concern among married women in the district, regardless of their religious affiliation. The study recommends that local government bodies and educational institutions implement community-based educational initiatives targeting young married women aged 15-24. This programme should focus on raising awareness about domestic violence and women's rights, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and resources to seek help and support.

Author Biographies

  • Ignatius O. Nwimo, Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria

    Ignatius O. Nwimo is a professor in the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki. Her research interest and area of specialization is School Health Education.

  • Stella Maris Ngozi Anyanwu, Department of Health Education, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

    Stella Maris Ngozi Anyanwuis a PG student and a lecturer in the Department of Health Education, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Her research focus is on Public Health Education.

  • Aloysius Munachim Ohaja, Department of Health Education, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

    Aloysius Munachim Ohajais a lecturer in the Department of Health Education, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Her research focus is on Public Health Education.

  • Chukwuemeka O. O. Aletta, Department of Health Education, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

    Dr. Chukwuemeka O. O. Alettais a lecturer in the Department of Health Education, Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria. Her research focus is on Public Health Education.

  • Kenneth Nnachetam Nwafor, Department of Family Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

    Dr. Kenneth Nnachetam Nwaforis a lecturer and medical practitioner in the Department of Family Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. His research interest is Socio-behavioral Medicine and Care of the Elderly.

  • Chijioke Vitalus Iloke, Department of Community Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria

    Dr. Chijioke Vitalus Iloke is a medical doctor in the Department of Community Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria.

  • Raphael E. Ochiaka, Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Enugu State University of Science and Technology. Nigeria

    Dr. Raphael E. Ochiakais an Associate Professor in the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Nigeria.

  • Ivoke Mariajacinta Ukamaka, Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria

    Ivoke Mariajacinta Ukamaka is a PG student in the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki. Her research focus is on Exercise Physiology.

  • Patrick Eni Eluu, Department of Arts and Social Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria

    Dr. Patrick Eni Eluu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Arts and Social Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria.

  • Christian O. Aleke, Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria

    Dr. Christian O. Aleke is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Nigeria. His research focus is on Public Health Education, Occupational Health, Environmental Health and Mental Health. ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2142-5967

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Published

2026-09-01

Issue

Vol. 9 No. 3 (2026)

Section

Articles

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How to Cite

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND RELIGIOUS VARIATIONS AMONG MARRIED WOMEN IN IMO STATE, NIGERIA. (2026). European Journal of Public Health Studies, 9(3). https://doi.org/10.46827/ejphs.v9i3.278