The Health Needs of Women with Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence Living in Urban Slums in Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

Although intimate partner violence affects women from various walks of life, empirical evidence suggests a greater incidence among women of low socioeconomic status. Intimate partner violence is a major problem among women of child-bearing age in Uganda. There is a lack of knowledge about these women’s healthcare needs as they are neither accessing health care nor sharing their experiences and health care needs related to intimate partner violence. This study explored intimate partner violence experiences of women living within urban slums and their resultant health impacts in order to inform health care strategies aimed at responding to intimate partner violence. A cross-sectional exploratory study using a qualitative approach was implemented with a purposive sample of 48 female participants aged between 20–45 years and living within Kabalagala slums, Kampala, Uganda. The purposively sampled participants had a history of intimate partner violence. The qualitative data was collected using in-depth interviews and coded utilising a thematic content analysis process. Two major themes emerged from the data: firstly, physical care and treatment needs resulting from scars of life, disability, disfigurement, and diminished physical functioning, and sexual and reproductive health complications; and secondly, psychosocial health and support needs reflected in the terror of unpredictability, the shame of being me and delayed access to health care. The psychosocial consequences of intimate partner violence resulted in delayed access to health care and potential exacerbation for physical ill-health. More assertive outreach by health care professionals in these high risk areas is required. Policy to support primary and secondary prevention of intimate partner violence must be developed and its implementation integrated into general health care settings specifically breaking the cycle of violence through provision of empowering psychosocial support to women who have experienced intimate partner violence.