Physical violence in child discipline: How social norms shape practices for girls and boys across municipalities in Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND: Physical violence in child discipline remains a global issue. A recent survey in Burkina Faso revealed variations across socio-cultural contexts, yet the role of social norms and contextual factors remains insufficiently investigated. OBJECTIVE: This study examines how social norms and contextual factors shape physical violence against girls and boys at the municipal level. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Nationally representative cross-sectional data on violence against children (2018) from 5098 girls and 5817 boys under age 12, reported by 4709 caregivers across 270 municipalities. Complete by data from "Armed conflict location and event data" (ACLED) and gender data from "Social institution and gender index" (SIGI) datasets. METHODS: Binary multilevel logistic regression with child and caregiver factors at level 1 and municipal factors at level 2, was applied. RESULTS: The findings highlight that over 20% of variance in physical violence is explained by municipal differences, more pronounced for severe violence among girls (ICC = 26%) than boys (ICC = 23%). Norms supporting physical discipline associated with severe violence increase, risk 1.7-fold for girls (p < 0.01) and 1.6-fold for boys (p < 0.05). Protective factors associated with high gender inequality (girls: OR = 0.16-0.05; boys: OR = 0.10-0.14), high Muslim population proportions (girls: OR = 0.35; boys: OR = 0.49), armed conflict presence (girls severe: OR = 0.61), and mixed socio-cultural groups (girls mild: OR = 0.30). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that specific family dynamics mitigate parent-child conflicts and reduce the likelihood of resorting to physical violence, supporting policies that strengthen family stability and social support to counteract caregivers 'stressors related to urbanization and economic pressures in contemporary societies.