Violence against housemaids in an Ethiopian town during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Violence against women is a global public health problem that has numerous adverse effects. However, published literature regarding violence against housemaids during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia is lacking. The current study aims to explore the experiences of violence and associated factors among housemaids in Ethiopia. The findings may be useful to the design appropriate policies, programs and strategies to reduce the problem. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March, 2021 in Kombolcha Town, Ethiopia. A total of 215 housemaids aged 14 years and older were included in the study using a simple random sampling technique. A multivariable logistic regression model with 95% CI (confidence interval) was applied to identify significant factors of physical and sexual violence. Variables with a P-value < 0.05 were declared as factors significantly associated with violence. Results Among 215 housemaids, 33.49% (95% CI: 27.13–39.85%) reported physical violence and 21.4% (95% CI: 15.87–26.92) reported sexual violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, housemaids aged 19–23 years (AOR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.01–6.89), who had a male employer (AOR = 2.39, 95% CI: 1.05–5.45), whose employers chewed chat (Catha edulis) (AOR = 3.78, 95% CI: 1.73–8.29), or drank alcohol (AOR = 2.90, 95% CI: 1.17–7.17) experienced more physical violence. Sexual violence was also associated with employers’ alcohol consumption (AOR = 9.72, 95% CI: 3.12–20.31), employers’ chat chewing (AOR = 7.40, 95% CI: 2.26–14.21) and male employers (AOR = 3.23, 95% CI: 1.22–8.52). Conclusion The findings indicate that one in five housemaids and one in three housemaids experienced sexual violence and physical violence, respectively. Housemaids aged 19–23 years, having a male employer, having an employer who chewed chat (Catha edulis) or who drank alcohol were factors associated with physical violence, whereas employers’ alcohol consumption, employers’ chat chewing and male employers were factors associated with sexual violence

ROC curve for sensitivity and specificity of MUAC as compared to WHZ<-2 among under five children of Somalia, Ethiopia.

ROC curve for sensitivity and specificity of MUAC as compared to WHZ<-2 among under five children of Somalia, Ethiopia.</p

Validity of MUAC in detecting moderate acute malnutrition among different ethnic groups of Ethiopia as compared to as compared to weight for Height Z score as gold standard.

Validity of MUAC in detecting moderate acute malnutrition among different ethnic groups of Ethiopia as compared to as compared to weight for Height Z score as gold standard.</p

ROC curve for sensitivity and specificity of MUAC as compared to WHZ<-2 among under five children of Gambella, Ethiopia.

ROC curve for sensitivity and specificity of MUAC as compared to WHZ<-2 among under five children of Gambella, Ethiopia.</p

Optimal MAUC Cut off for moderate acute malnutrition among under five children using weight for height Z<-2 as a gold standard.

Optimal MAUC Cut off for moderate acute malnutrition among under five children using weight for height Z<-2 as a gold standard.</p

ROC curve for sensitivity and specificity of MUAC as compared to WHZ<-2 among under five children of Amhara, Ethiopia.

ROC curve for sensitivity and specificity of MUAC as compared to WHZ<-2 among under five children of Amhara, Ethiopia.</p

Socio demographic characteristics of study participants from three regional states of Ethiopia N = 914.

Socio demographic characteristics of study participants from three regional states of Ethiopia N = 914.</p

ROC curve for sensitivity and specificity of MUAC as compared to WHZ<-2 among under five children of Ethiopia.

ROC curve for sensitivity and specificity of MUAC as compared to WHZ<-2 among under five children of Ethiopia.</p

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Nutritional status of under-five children’s by using WHZ and MUACZ from different regions of Ethiopia (n = 914).

Nutritional status of under-five children’s by using WHZ and MUACZ from different regions of Ethiopia (n = 914).</p