Global prevalence of domestic violence against adults during COVID-19 and its determinants: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression analysis
Razieh Bidhendi-Yarandi, Farhad Nosrati Nejad, Akbar Biglarian, Payam Roshnfekr, Samira Behboudi-GandevaniBackground
Domestic violence (DV) is a pressing public health issue with worldwide implications. Crises like the COVID-19 pandemic can exacerbate this problem, as social and personal challenges intersect with the disruptive effects of health measures.
Objective
This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DV during the COVID-19 pandemic and identify its associated determinants.
Design
Systematic review and meta-analysis.
Data sources and methods
A comprehensive review of the literature in PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Cochrane Covid-19 register up to July 2024 were conducted. Pooled prevalence of DV during COVID-19, including overall and subtype prevalence were assessed, while also extracting associated factors and determinants. Meta-regression analyzed the impact of determinants on heterogeneity. A random effects model estimated the pooled prevalence using the meta-prop method, applying Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation for variance stabilization.
Results
A total of 37 qualifying studies were included in our final analysis with a total sample size of 160,701 individuals. The overall pooled prevalence of DV, regardless of subtypes, was 13% (95% CI: 12-14%). Among the different subtypes, psychological violence had the highest pooled prevalence of 24% (95% CI: 19–28%), while financial violence had the lowest pooled prevalence of 7% (95% CI: 6–9%). Sexual violence (11%, 95% CI: 9–12%), physical violence (10%, 95% CI: 9–12%), and violence involving threats and controlling behaviors 11% (95% CI: 8–13%) had approximately similar prevalence rates. Meta-regression analyses showed the risk of overall DV was significantly higher among younger women Risk Difference (RD) =15% (P<0.001), 40 years and younger individuals RD=12% (P<0.001), and those living in developing countries RD=14% (P<0.001) compared to their counterparts. On average, women had a higher risk of overall DV than the elderly and men RD=9% (P<0.001).
Conclusion
The study revealed a concerning global prevalence of DV at 13% during the COVID-19 pandemic, with psychological violence being the most common subtype. Women and young adults were identified as particularly vulnerable, with risk differentials of 15% and 12%, respectively, notably higher in developing countries (14%). This comprehensive assessment of DV prevalence and determinants offers valuable insights for future research and public health strategies.
Registration
PROSPERO CRD42022351634.