Geographic Distribution and Sociodemographic Determinants of Intimate Partner Violence in North-West Nigeria: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health problem globally and in Nigeria, with limited evidence from North-West Nigeria. This study assessed the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of IPV among women attending antenatal clinics in tertiary hospitals across Kano, Sokoto, and Jigawa States. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed among 1,248 participants. Quantitative data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression, while qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically. The overall prevalence of IPV was 44.0%, with the highest rates in Sokoto (60.6%) and Jigawa (50.9%) and the lowest in Kano (10.3%). Psychological abuse was the most common form of IPV (36.0%), followed by financial (26.3%), sexual (24.9%), and physical violence (4.5%). Significant determinants included low educational attainment, unemployment, polygamous marriage, financial dependence, and partner alcohol use (p < .001). Multivariable analysis identified polygamous marriage (aOR = 6.81), financial dependence (aOR = 4.88), and low educational attainment (aOR = 4.31) as major predictors. Qualitative findings revealed themes of emotional distress, financial control, sexual coercion, restricted autonomy, and barriers to help-seeking. IPV remains highly prevalent in North-West Nigeria and is influenced by socioeconomic vulnerability, cultural norms, and gender power imbalances. Interventions promoting female education, economic empowerment, legal protection, and community awareness are needed to reduce IPV and support survivors. Keywords: intimate partner violence, prevalence, determinants, North-West Nigeria, mixed-methods, gender-based violence, polygamy.