TITLE:
Physical Violence and Its Associated Factors among Men in the Central and Southern Regions of Lao PDR
AUTHORS:
Amphayvong Sayachack, Vannasith Phonlevong, Vanphanom Sychareun, Khamtim Samountry, Johnly Phanthady, Latsamy Oulay, Phouthong Phommavongsa, Viengnakhone Vongxay, Souksamone Thongmyxay, Vilakone Thongmala, Kongmany Chaleunvong, Jo Durham
KEYWORDS:
Gender Based Violence, Male Perpetrators, Male Attitudes, Childhood Perpetration of Gender Based Violence, Lao PDR
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.13 No.8,
August
25,
2026
ABSTRACT: Lao PDR faces a significant issue with Gender-Based Violence (GBV), primarily reported by women, while men’s perpetration is less documented. This study aims to determine the percentage of males who commit physical violence and their perspectives on these acts, along with the associated risk factors. A quantitative study was conducted with men in Champasak and Vientiane, Lao PDR. The sample included 680 males from heterosexual couples who had been married or cohabiting for at least a year, selected using multi-stage random sampling. The analysis employed both inferential and descriptive statistics, including a binary logistic regression model, to assess variables related to GBV perpetrated by male participants. In the study, 99.4% of male participants reported experiencing physical violence, with 76% indicating it occurred over their lifetime or within the last year. Approximately 20.3% faced sexual violence in the past year, and 69.4% witnessed their mothers being beaten. About 25.4% experienced moderate childhood physical violence, while 69.4% witnessed it, alongside 43.4% experiencing emotional violence and 78.8% experiencing sexual violence. Significant factors for male perpetrators included informal employment status (AOR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.2 - 6.4); perpetration of being witnesses and perpetration of GBV during childhood (AOR: 7.6; 95% CI: 3 - 19.4); perpetration of physical violence in neighbourhood during childhood before aged 18 years (AOR: 7.3; 95% CI: 2.3 - 22.5); attitudes towards GBV (AOR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.2 - 3.1), drug used in the last 12 months (AOR: 6.5; 95% CI: 3.7 - 11.3). This study emphasises men’s positive attitudes towards GBV and the prevalence of physical violence they commit. Key factors include socio-demographics, childhood GBV perpetration, and health risk behaviours. Initiatives to address these issues could involve educational campaigns, promoting non-violent role models, bystander intervention resources, and enhancing neighbourhood safety to support those affected by community violence.