Intimate Partner Violence and its associated factors among pregnant women receiving antenatal care. A Bayesian analysis approach

BACKGROUND

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a major public health problem worldwide. In developing nations, including Ethiopia, the problem is under-reported and under-estimated. Therefore, this study attempts to assess intimate partner violence and its associated factors among pregnant women receiving antenatal care at public hospitals in Amhara region, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A health facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed. A sample of 418 pregnant women was selected using random sampling technique from 1st May to 1st June 2021. IPV was measured using the World Health Organization (WHO) Multi-country study of violence against women assessment tool. Data were entered into Epi-data 3.1 and exported into Stata 17 for further analysis. A Bayesian multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out from the posterior distribution, and an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% credible interval (CrI) was used to declare statistically significant variables.

RESULTS

The prevalence of any IPV among pregnant women was 31.3% [95% CrI 26.6%, 36.1%]. After adjusting a range of covariates, IPV during pregnancy was more likely among women whose husbands used substances [AOR = 4.33: 95% CrI 1.68, 8.95] and household decisions made by husbands only [AOR = 6.45: 95% CI 3.01, 12.64]. Conversely, pregnant women who attended primary [AOR = 0.47: 95% CrI 0.24, 0.81] and secondary [AOR = 0.64: 95% CrI 0.41, 0.92] educational levels, women who had four or more ANC visits antenatal care visits [AOR = 0.43: 95% CrI 0.25, 0.68], and women with no prior history of adverse birth outcomes [AOR = 0.48: 95% CI 0.27, 0.80] were less likely to experience IPV during pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

The study revealed a relatively high prevalence of any IPV among pregnant women, with factors such as substance use by husbands and limited decision-making autonomy associated with increased IPV likelihood. Conversely, women with higher education levels, four and above antenatal care attendance, and no history of adverse birth outcomes showed a reduced likelihood of experiencing IPV during pregnancy. Therefore, targeted interventions to address substance use, empower women in decision-making, and promote education and healthcare access to mitigate IPV risk during pregnancy are recommended.

Intimate Partner Violence, prevalence and its consequences: a community-based study in Gambella, Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction

Intimate partner violence is defined as any behavior by a current or past male intimate partner during marriage, cohabitation, or any other formal or informal union that causes physical, sexual, or psychological harm. Men are the most common perpetrators of this against women. It affects almost one-third of all women worldwide.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the prevalence, consequences, and factors associated with intimate partner violence among partnered women in Gambella town.

Methods

A community-based, cross-sectional study design was employed. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data was collected using a pretested, structured questionnaire. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS software version 25. The bivariate and multivariate logistic regression method was used to identify factors associated with intimate partner violence. Variables with a p-value <0.05 were considered significantly associated with intimate partner violence.

Results

The overall prevalence of intimate partner violence in the lifetime and the last 12 months was 58.8, 95% CI (54.0, 63.6), and 51.8, 95% CI (46.7, 56.8), respectively. More than half (53.3%) of the violence resulted in physical injury, while 32.9% were separated from their partners whereas, mother's history of exposure to IPV [AOR: 1.8, 95% CI (1.03-3.27), p < 0.05], respondent's age [AOR: 3.4, 95% CI (1.8, 6.5), p < 0.001], substance use [AOR:2.5, 95% CI (1.5-4.1), p < 0.001], disagreement on sexual intercourse [AOR:3.2, 95% CI (1.8-5.7), p < 0.01], monthly family income [AOR:0.32, 95% CI: (0.16-0.63), p < 0.01] and family size [AOR:2.8, 95% CI: (1.6-4.8), p < 0.01] were significantly associated with IPV.

Conclusion

The study indicated that the prevalence of intimate partner violence was very high. Age of the woman, family size, substance use, economic status, were among factors significantly associated with intimate partner violence. Therefore, responsible stakeholders should respond to the deep-rooted and highly complicated gender inequality by implementing preventive measures.

Intimate partner violence is independently associated with poor utilization of antenatal care in Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

To ensure the best possible health conditions for both mother and fetus throughout pregnancy, skilled healthcare professionals provide antenatal care (ANC) to expectant mothers. Even though the introduction of antenatal care has reduced maternal mortality by 34% since 2002, some atypical behaviors, such as intimate partner violence, have had a significant impact on how often women seek out expert medical treatment during pregnancy. Hence, early identification of such risk factors is very important to decrease maternal mortality from preventable causes. To assess the prevalence and factors of intimate partner violence and associated factors among pregnant women at Arba Minch town, southern Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 403 mothers who were enrolled from December 1, 2022, to January 30, 2023. The total sample size was allocated proportionately to the number of women attending antenatal care at each public health facility. Thus, systematic sampling was applied. Kobo Toolbox was used for data collection and cleaning, which was then analyzed using IBM SPSS Version 26. Statistical significance was determined at a p-value of less than 0.05. In this study area, the prevalence of intimate partner violence among pregnant women was 35% (95% CI: 30.5-39). The associated factors of intimate partner violence were late initiation of antenatal care (AOR = 3.81, 95% CI: 1.7, 6.04), non-autonomous women (AOR = 1.8, 95% CI: 1.18, 3.14), inadequate antenatal utilization (AOR = 3.41, 95% CI: 1.8, 6.2), and a husband with an extra wife (AOR = 6.0, 95% CI: 4.2, 10.57).This study showed that more than one-third of pregnant women in this study area were facing intimate partner violence. Having extra wife, lack of women's autonomy, less antenatal care utilization and late initiation of antenatal care were associated with Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Therefore, it is essential to greatly empower women and provide them significant prestige in the home.

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

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.

Multilevel analysis of intimate partner violence and associated factors among pregnant women in East Africa: Evidence from recent (2012-2018) demographic and health surveys

BACKGROUND

Globally, intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is the most common and major public health problem. It has a negative effect on the lives of both mother and fetus. Despite its prominence, many countries in East Africa have paid little attention to this issue. This study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of intimate partner violence among pregnant women in East African countries.

METHODS

The study adopted a secondary method data analysis that utilized recent Demographic and Health Surveys of 10 countries in East Africa between 2012 and 2018. A total of 23,521 women who gave birth in the 5 years preceding the survey were included. A multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with IPV. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were declared as significant factors associated with IPV.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of IPV in East Africa was 37.14 (95% CI 36.53, 37.76). Women with age 25-34 (AOR = 1.20;95%CI; 1.06, 1.36), 35-39 (AOR = 1.40;95%CI; 1.24, 1.58), and 40-49 (AOR = 1.66;95%CI; 1.43, 1.95), women with no education (AOR = 1.27;95%CI; 1.16, 1.39), women with no occupation (AOR = 1.36; 95%CI; 1.27, 1.47), women from households with the poorest (AOR = 1.51; 95%CI: 1.33, 1.71), poorer (AOR = 1.40;95% CI:1.24, 1.58), middle (AOR = 1.32;95%CI:1.17, 1.48), and richer (AOR = 1.26;95%CI: 1.13, 1.40), husband drinks alcohol (AOR = 2.54; 95%CI 2.39, 2.71), ≥ 5 number of living children (AOR = 1.28; 95%CI: 1.31, 2.57) and rural areas (AOR = 1.14; 95%CI: 1.03, 1.25) were significantly associated with IPV.

CONCLUSION

More than one-third of pregnant women experienced intimate partner violence in East Africa. Promoting the educational status of women, the economic capacity of women, and the healthy behavior of the husband by reducing alcohol consumption, with particular attention to rural women and violence during pregnancy, is vital to reduce the prevalence of IPV.

Multilevel analysis of factors for intimate partner violence during pregnancy in Gammo Goffa Zone, South Ethiopia: A community based study

Background

Intimate partner violence during pregnancy is a public health problem that can affect both maternal and fetal life. However, its prevalence and associated factors have not been well studied and understood in Ethiopia. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the individual and community-level factors associated with intimate partner violence during pregnancy in Gammo Goffa Zone, South Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,535 randomly selected pregnant women from July to October 2020. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered, standardized WHO multi-country study questionnaire and analyzed using STATA 14. A two level mixed-effects logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with intimate partner violence during pregnancy.

Results

The prevalence of intimate partner violence during pregnancy was found to be 48% (95% CI: 45–50%). Factors affecting violence during pregnancy were identified at the community and individual levels. Access to health facilities (AOR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.85), women feeling isolated from the community (AOR= 1.96; 95% CI: 1.04, 3.69), and strict gender role differences (AOR= 1.45; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.04) were among higher-level factors found to be significantly associated with intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Low decision-making power was found to increase the odds of experiencing IPV during pregnancy (AOR= 2.51; 95% CI: 1.28, 4.92). Similarly, maternal education, maternal occupation, living with the partner's family, current pregnancy intended by the partner, dowry payment, and presence of marital conflict were among the individual- level factors found to increase the odds of experiencing intimate partner violence during pregnancy.

Conclusions

The prevalence of intimate partner violence during pregnancy was high in the study area. Both individual and community-level factors had significant implications on maternal health programs related to violence against women. Socio-demographic and socio-ecological characteristics were identified as associated factors. Since it is a multifaceted problem, special emphasis has to be given to multi-sectoral approaches involving all responsible bodies to mitigate the situation.

Intimate partner sexual violence during pregnancy and its associated factors in Northwest Ethiopian women

Background

Violence against women is a global problem. In pregnant women, it is a particular concern as a virtue of the additional risks to the unborn child. Of different acts of violence, sexual violence shares the major contribution that results in short and long-term physical, sexual, reproductive, and mental health problems of pregnant women. Little is known about sexual violence during pregnancy in Ethiopia.

Objective

this study aimed to assess the proportion and factors associated with intimate partners' sexual violence against pregnant women in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 409 pregnant women in Debre Markos town from March to April 2018. The study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. A pre-tested and validated questionnaire was used. Binary logistic regression analyses were done to identify associated factors and the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95 % confidence interval (CI) at a p-value of <0.05 was used to declare a significant association.

Result

Of 409 pregnant women, 19.8% have experienced sexual violence by their intimate partner during their current pregnancy. Accordingly, the major intimate partner sexual violence during pregnancy was having unwanted sexual intercourse due to fear from the partner (13.4%), being forced to do something sexual that is degrading or humiliating (13.0%), and being physically forced to have sexual intercourse (9.8%). Living with her partner/husband (AOR: 3.73, 95% CI: 1.30, 10.69), uneducated educational status of partner (AOR: 2.43, 95% CI: 1.06, 5.56), and frequency of alcohol consumption (AOR: 3.20, 95% CI: 1.24, 8.26) were factors associated with increased occurrence of intimate partner sexual violence during pregnancy.

Conclusion

The proportion of sexual violence against pregnant women by their intimate partner(s) was found to be common in our study. Socio-demographic and behavioral-related factors were risk factors for sexual violence. As a result, preventive strategies and interventions centering on the empowerment of those facing the greatest barriers to reproductive freedom require a shift from traditional ways of thinking.

Assessing the prevalence and association between physical, emotional, and sexual of intimate partner violence against women in Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Several studies were carried out on prevalence and associated factors of physical, emotional, and sexual violence against women. However, little attention was given to a comprehensive study that assesses the association between physical, emotional, and sexual violence against women. Thus, this study aimed to assess the association between physical, emotional, and sexual violence against women and their prevalence.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional design was implemented based on the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey involving 8061 married women aged 15-49. A log-linear statistical model for the three-way table was used to assess the association between emotional, physical, and sexual violence. SAS statistical software was used for data management and parameter estimation.

RESULTS

Among a total of 8061 women considered in the study 3022 (37.49%), 4216 (52.3%) and 1186 (14.71%) women have experienced physical, emotional, and sexual violence, respectively. The estimated odds of the interaction between emotional and physical violence (e^1.9281 = 6.876); physical and sexual violence (e^-2.0529 = 0.128) were significantly differ from 1.0 with p-values < 0:0001 and 0.0201, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Over 33 percent of women experienced at least one incident of physical, emotional, or sexual violence in their lifetime. Physical violence against women has a significant association with emotional and sexual violence. However, it does not imply physical violence causes the other violence since cross-sectional data used for the analysis and other factors were not taken into consideration. The lack of a three-way association between emotional, physical, and sexual violence was also perceived. Therefore, as the prevalence of intimate partner violence against women s high, Nigeria as a country needs to strive to reduce it with the collaboration of other nations in the world to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG). Design and apply guidelines to aware of the community about intimate partner violence against women and besides, take appropriate sentencing on those who commit the violence are the better approaches to prevent violence. Traditional habits that might be the cause of violence should be avoided to reduce or prevent the burden of women due to violence.

Determinants of Intimate Partner Violence against Pregnant Women in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background. Intimate partner violence (IPV) against pregnant women is a recognized global public health problem affecting all spheres of women and unborn infants. In Ethiopia, although inconsistent, individual studies avail; there is a dearth of systematic reviews and meta-analysis about the prevalence and associated factors of intimate partner violence. Thus, the present study was aimed at determining the pooled prevalence of IPV and its determinant factors during pregnancy. Methods. The report of meta-analysis follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis 20 guideline (PRISMA 20). Databases including PubMed/Medline, CINAHL, SCOPUS, HINARI (research4life), AJOL, IRIS, and AIM were searched. Heterogeneity test was assessed by the Cochrane chi-square ( $\chi 2$ ) and quantified by $I^2$ statistics test. Publication bias was tested by funnel plots and Egger’s test. Sensitivity test and subgroup analysis were also performed. Effect size was calculated by random effects model. Results. A total of 26 studies, including data from 13, 912 participants, were included in the analysis. The prevalence of IPV ranged from 7% to 81% with overall estimated pooled prevalence of 37% (30% -44%, $I^2=96.5$ %, $p\le 0.001$ ). Of this, the prevalence of physical, sexual, and psychological violence was 24% (95% CI; 19%-30%), 21% (95% CI; 16%-26%), and 27% (95% CI; 22%-32%), respectively. Factors such as lack of formal education, childhood violence, rural residency, low decision-making power, family history of violence, attitude, unplanned and unwanted pregnancy by women and partners, late initiation of antenatal care, partner alcohol, and khat use were associated with IPV. Conclusion. More than one-third of pregnant women experienced IPV. The most prevalent form of IPV was psychological violence followed by physical and sexual violence. The identified risk for IPV including victim, pregnancy, and perpetrator-related factors indicated the need of a holistic approach in the promotion, prevention, and treatment of IPV. The finding of this study suggests the need of strengthening women empowerments (capacity building) against traditional beliefs, attitudes, and practices. This study also suggests the need of evaluation and strengthening the collaborative work among different sectors such as policy-makers, service providers, administrative personnel, and community leaders, including the engagement of men partners.

Prevalence and its predictors of intimate partner violence against pregnant women amid COVID-19 pandemic in Southwest Ethiopia, 2021: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

Preventive measures like staying-at-home and social distancing are among the top strategies on the list to avert the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 and its consequences. However, this strategy brings off another shadow pandemic of intimate partner violence against women, and no study has been done to assess the magnitude of intimate partner violence against pregnant women during the pandemic in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence and its predictors in Southwest Ethiopia amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted, from 15 June 2021 to 15 August 2021, on a total of 590 pregnant women recruited by systematic random sampling techniques. Pretested structured questionnaires were used to collect data, and the data were entered using EpiData version 3.1 and analyzed by SPSS version 24. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors of intimate partner violence. Finally, statistical significance was declared at a p-value <0.05.

RESULTS

The prevalence of intimate partner violence was 39.2%. Of this, 29.8%, 26.8%, and 22.2% of the pregnant women had experienced physical, sexual, and emotional intimate partner violence, respectively. Being illiterate (adjusted odds ratio = 2.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.33-4.19), having illiterate husbands (adjusted odds ratio = 4.79, 95% confidence interval: 2.69-8.55), household decisions made by the husband alone (adjusted odds ratio = 4.91, 95% confidence interval: 3.74-9.33), and pandemic-induced economic downturns (adjusted odds ratio = 9.03, 95% confidence interval: 5.18-15.98) were the predictors that were significantly associated with intimate partner violence.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of intimate partner violence against pregnant women during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has been found to be high in the study area. Thus, more efforts should be tried to integrating intimate partner violence screening in maternal and child healthcare services, and early identification of high-risk individuals, and continuous community-based awareness creation activities are recommended.

Magnitude and factors associated with intimate partner violence against pregnant women in Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis of 2016 Ethiopian demographic and health survey

Background

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is defined as acts of physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological/emotional abuse, or controlling behaviors by a current or former partner or spouse. IPV has a special concern for pregnant women since it leads to higher rates of miscarriage, several complications including adverse birth outcomes. So far, the effect of contextual factors on IPV was largely overlooked. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the magnitude and factors associated with IPV among pregnant women in Ethiopia.

Method

Data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey was used for this study. A total of 4167 (weighted sample) pregnant women were included in the analysis. The multi-level logistic regression model was fitted to identify factors associated with IPV. Finally, the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% CI and random effects for the multilevel logistic regression model was reported.

Results

In this study, the overall magnitude of IPV among pregnant women was 28.74 (95% CI 27.38, 30.13) with emotional violence being the most common (24.09%) type. In the multi-level analysis, women with no education (AOR = 2.07; 95%CI 1.23, 3.48), primary education (AOR = 2.04; 95%CI:1.24, 3.38), and secondary education (AOR = 1.53; 95%CI:1.29.2.62), women from households with poorest (AOR = 1.72; 95%CI: 1.16, 2.56), poorer (AOR = 1.62;95% CI:1.09, 2.41), middle (AOR = 1.74;95%CI:1.17, 2.56), and richer (AOR = 1.58;95%CI: 1.08, 2.33) wealth index, women aged 35–39 years (AOR = 1.28;95%CI:1.01, 1.63) and 40–49 years (AOR = 1.78;95%CI:1.28, 2.45) and those from pastoral (AOR = 1.47;95%CI:1.04, 1.93) and agrarian regions (AOR = 1.32;95%CI 1.02, 1.88) had a higher likelihood of having IPV. Of the partner-related factors, women with husbands who drink alcohol (AOR = 2.94; 95%CI: 2.36, 3.42) and secondary educational level (AOR = 1.47; 95%CI 1.02, 2.12) had higher odds of experiencing IPV during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Intimate partner violence during pregnancy is a public health problem in Ethiopia. Therefore, improving the educational status of women and their husbands, improving the economic capacity of women, and promoting the healthy behavior of husbands by reducing the alcohol consumption in those agrarian and pastoral regions of Ethiopia is vital to reduce the magnitude of IPV.

Intimate partner violence and COVID-19 among reproductive age women: A community-based cross-sectional survey, Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION

Intimate partner violence is one of the most common psychological, physical, and sexual assaults toward women which suit the entire life of women, and nowadays, the magnitude accelerates due to coronavirus pandemic. Hence, this study was aimed to examine the prevalence of intimate partner violence and predictors during coronavirus among childbearing-age residents in Debre Berhan.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional survey was employed from 1 May to 1 July 2020. Eight items of women abuse screening tool were used to estimate intimate partner violence. Trained data collectors directly interview randomly selected participants. The data were entered using Epi-info V. 7 and analyzed using SPSS V. 23. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence and the frequency distribution of other variables. During bivariate analysis, predictor variables with a p-value less than 0.25 were nominated to further analysis. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used and a p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULT

A total of 700 participants were included with a response rate of 95.1%. The prevalence of intimate partner violence in the past single year was 19% with 95% confidence interval = 16.1-21.9. Besides, the prevalence of emotional (19.9%, 95% confidence interval = 16.9-22.8), sexual (10.9%, 95% confidence interval = 8.6-13.2) and physical (9.4%, 95% confidence interval = 7.3-11.6) violence was reported. Women with depressive symptoms, overweight, suicidal ideation, and body image disturbance were significantly associated with intimate partner violence, but not educational status, employment, income, stressful life events, lifetime alcohol use, suicidal attempt, and abortion.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Nearly one out of five interviewed participants had intimate partner violence. Being overweight, having poor body image, and having depression increase intimate partner violence. Special preventive measures and treatment, and other legal services should be taken to alleviate the predictor variables and intimate partner violence.

Domestic Violence During Pregnancy: Evaluating the Impact on Maternal and Perinatal Health-A Pilot Study in Uttar Pradesh

Introduction

Domestic Violence [DV] is a global health problem of pandemic proportions. WHO identifies it as psychological, physical or sexual violence or threats of the same, in the premises of one's home. The perpetrator can be husband, intimate partner, friend or a family member. DV during pregnancy has widespread implications on adverse obstetric maternal and foetal outcomes.

Aim of the Study

To find out the prevalence of domestic violence in antenatal women and observe the association between DV and maternal and perinatal outcome.

Methodology

It is a cohort study carried out at ELMCH, over a period of 10 months. Data were collected from pregnant women reporting to the outpatient department of obstetrics and gynaecology in their third trimester of pregnancy. The pregnancies were followed up till delivery and one week postpartum to study the obstetric and perinatal outcome. Appropriate statistical methods were applied to determine significance of the observations, and odds ratio was calculated for the risk factors.

Results

The prevalence of DV during pregnancy was 22.2%, with psychological violence being the most common form observed. Increased relative risk was found for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, antepartum haemorrhage, recurrent urinary tract infection and preterm labour. Apgar scores of babies in affected mothers was lower, and there were significantly greater NICU admissions. This was independent of period of gestation at delivery.

Conclusion

DV affects at least 1/4th of antenatal women. Majority of them do not realise the extent and forms of DV and accept the violence as a routine norm of marital life. DV during pregnancy has a significant association with adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes.

Prevalence, Risk Factors and Effects of Domestic Violence Before and During Pregnancy on Birth Outcomes: An Observational Study of Literate Omani Women

BACKGROUND

Domestic violence against women before and/or during pregnancy is a concerning public health issue. It has a deleterious impact on both the mother and the baby.

AIM

The aim of this study is to identify the prevalence and predictors of emotional and physical domestic violence during three periods (lifelong, one year before pregnancy and during pregnancy). Moreover, it evaluates the effects of domestic violence on the outcomes of pregnancy, including miscarriages, birth weight of the baby, gestational age at delivery, and mode of delivery.

METHODOLOGY

This is a prospective observational study of literate pregnant women, attending four primary health-care centers in Muscat, from 1st April 2019 to 31st March 2020. Subjects with twin pregnancies were excluded from the study. The validated Arabic NorVold Domestic Abuse Questionnaire (NORAQ) was used to determine the prevalence of emotional and physical domestic violence. The recruited subjects were re-evaluated for birth outcomes at 2-4 weeks postpartum.

RESULTS

A total of 960 women participated in the study, with the mean age of 30.3 ± 5.4 years. Overall, experiences of lifelong domestic violence were reported by 161 women (16.8%), and the prevalence rate declined substantially in the one-year period preceding pregnancy and during pregnancy, 2.7% and 1.6%, respectively. Women who reported any type of domestic violence one year before pregnancy were at a higher risk of experiencing it again during pregnancy. A multivariate analysis of the obtained data revealed a strong association between physical domestic violence one year before pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy. Subjects with lifelong domestic violence reported higher rates of depression, insomnia, and somatic symptoms. No significant association was found between domestic violence, across any periods, and birth outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The rates of domestic violence are relatively lower during pregnancy and one year before pregnancy compared to those of the lifelong period among Omani women. A significant association was found between domestic violence and depression, insomnia, somatic symptoms, and unplanned pregnancy. Screening for domestic violence during the perinatal period, using high-quality surveys, is of utmost importance.

Intimate partner violence during pregnancy and risk of still birth in hospitals of Tigray region Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy may represent a time of exceptional vulnerability to intimate partner violence because of changes in women's conditions. Despite the fact that intimate partner violence during pregnancy confers considerable risk to the health of the woman and her fetus, data regarding to association of stillbirth and intimate partner violence is lacking in Tigray region. The objective of this study is to assess intimate partner violence during pregnancy and its association with still birth among postpartum mothers in hospitals in Tigray Region of Ethiopia.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study design was used to assess 648 women about intimate partner violence during pregnancy and its association with still birth. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select health facilities and systematic sampling was used to select the study participants. Data was entered by using Epi info version 3.5.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression analysis was done to assess the association between exposure to intimate partner violence during pregnancy and stillbirth while adjusting for possible confounders.

RESULTS

The prevalence of still birth was 3.6%in this study population. There was a statistically significant association between exposure to intimate partner violence during pregnancy and still birth. Pregnant women who were exposed to intimate partner violence during pregnancy were three times more likely to have still birth 3.3(95% CI: 1.1-9.7) as compared to those who were not exposed. Another important factor associated with stillbirth was low birthweight 16.7(95% CI,6-46).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of still birth in this study was high. Women who subjected to intimate partner violence during pregnancy had greater risk of having stillbirth baby.

High rate of partner violence during pregnancy in eastern Ethiopia: Findings from a facility-based study

INTRODUCTION

Intimate partner violence during pregnancy can contribute to maternal mortality and morbidity by limiting women's ability to receive maternal health services including antenatal care and skilled delivery care. In Ethiopia, evidence regarding intimate partner violence during pregnancy is limited, and no previous studies have been conducted in the Harari region. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of intimate partner violence during pregnancy among women who had given birth in public hospitals in Harari regional state, eastern Ethiopia.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to April 2019 among women who had given birth in public hospitals in Harari regional state, East Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling method was employed to select 648 participants. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered standardized questionnaire based on the World Health Organization Multi-Country Study on Women's Health and Domestic Violence against Women survey. Crude and adjusted odds ratios with respective confidence intervals were computed. Variables with a p-value of ≤0.05 were considered to have a significant association with intimate partner violence during pregnancy.

RESULTS

The prevalence of intimate partner violence during the most recent pregnancy was found to be 39.81%. Furthermore, the prevalence of physical, emotional and sexual violence were found to be 25.93%, 25.62% and 3.7%, respectively. Longer duration of marriage (adjusted odds ratio = 1.68, 95% confidence interval = 1.01-2.79), most recent pregnancy being unplanned (adjusted odds ratio = 1.55, 95% confidence interval = 1.03-2.34), experiencing controlling behaviour by a partner, (adjusted odds ratio = 2.23, 95% confidence interval = 1.46-3.40) and having an attitude that justifies intimate partner violence (adjusted odds ratio = 1.60, 95% confidence interval = 1.09-2.36) were associated with experiencing intimate partner violence.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of intimate partner violence during pregnancy was found to be high. Pregnancy monitoring programs, which can detect and intervene with regard to partner's controlling behaviors and women's perception regarding justification of intimate partner violence, especially in those women with an unplanned pregnancy, could help to reduce intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Further, changing social norms that condone violence through advocacy and awareness creation might help in preventing partner violence.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy in Eastern Ethiopia

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence is a major public health problem and a gross violation of human rights. The consequences of this violation are severe during pregnancy as the fetus/newborn could also be affected negatively. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intimate partner violence during pregnancy (IPVP) in Eastern Ethiopia.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 3015 postpartum mothers in Eastern Ethiopia. Data were collected using the WHO Violence Against Women questionnaire. Factors associated with IPVP were assessed by a log-binomial regression model using Stata version 14.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of IPVP was 30.5% (95% CI: 28.8, 32.1); the prevalence for psychological violence was 24.4% (95% CI: 22.9, 26.0), physical violence was 11.9% (95% CI: 10.8, 13.2) and sexual violence was 11.0% (95% CI: 9.9, 12.2). About 95% of acts of sexual violence were in the form of forced sex. In multivariable analysis, women's education was associated with a decreased prevalence of all forms of IPVP. Previous experience of infant loss and not drinking alcohol were associated with lower prevalence of all IPVP types, except for the physical form. Working for cash and having medium household decision-making autonomy increased the prevalence of all forms of IPVP. Being older, living in an extended family, husband's/partner's habitual khat chewing and discordant pregnancy intentions increased the prevalence ratio (PR) of all forms of IPVP, except for sexual violence. Compared to being urban, being rural decreased the PR of sexual IPVP by 59% (adjusted prevalence ratio [APR]=0.41; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.60) and psychological IPVP by 32% (APR=0.68; 95% CI: 0.53, 0.87). Husband's/partner's support for antenatal care use decreased the PR of physical IPVP by 56% (APR=0.44; 95% CI: 0.25, 0.78).

CONCLUSION

Nearly one-third of pregnant women experienced IPVP. The great majority of them were subjected to forced sex by their husband/partner. This calls for urgent attention at all levels of societal organization, requiring stakeholders and policy makers to tackle the situation.

Magnitude of Intimate Partner Violence and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Ethiopia

Background. Intimate partner violence during pregnancy is the most common and major public health problem and human rights issue worldwide and has a negative effect on the lives of both mother and fetus. Despite its prominence, this issue has received little attention in Ethiopia as well as many sub-Saharan African countries. This study assessed the magnitude of intimate partner violence and associated factors among pregnant women in Ofla District, Tigray, Ethiopia. Methods. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to 30, 2019, among 543 pregnant women who visited antenatal care in the health facilities. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Pretested, interviewer-administered data collection was done using a standardized World Health Organization multicountry questionnaire for women’s health and domestic violence against women. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with violence. p value was set at p<0.05. Results. The overall prevalence of intimate partner violence during the current pregnancy was 37.5%: psychological (25.1%), sexual (17.7%), and physical violence (13.4%). Violence was associated with unplanned pregnancy ((AOR = 4.56, 95% CI: (2, 10.28)), unmarried women ((AOR = 2.59, 95% CI: (1.18, 5.73)), having alcoholic partner ((AOR = 3.3, 95% CI: (2.1, 5.16)), spouse’s multiple sexual partners status ((AOR = 5.1, 95% CI: (2.2, 12)), acceptance of violence by women ((AOR = 1.85, 95% CI: (1.1, 3.16)), low decision-making power of women ((AOR = 2.64, 95% CI: (1.6, 4.3)), and no interest in current pregnancy by partner ((AOR = 5.9, 95% CI: (2.36, 14.9)). Conclusions. More than one-third of pregnant women experienced intimate partner violence during a recent pregnancy. This is high and may lead to health consequences for both mothers and fetuses. Addressing gender inequitable norms, the culture of silence (support) to intimate partner violence in the community and women’s reproductive health information through intervention measures are very important to minimize the problem.

Intimate partner violence and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) during pregnancy is a serious public health concern globally. Within Sub-Saharan Africa nearly 40% of women reported abuse by their intimate partners. In Ethiopia, study findings regarding prevalence and associated factors of IPV among pregnant women have been inconsistently reported and highly variable. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis estimates the pooled prevalence of IPV and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia.

Methods

International databases (i.e., PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, Science Direct, and the Cochrane Library) were systematically searched during the period of January 1 to February 13, 2018. All identified observational studies reporting the prevalence of IPV and associated factors among pregnant women in Ethiopia were considered. Two authors (AA and CT) independently extracted all necessary data using a standardized data extraction format. Extracted quantitative data were analyzed using STATA Version 13. Heterogeneity among the included studies was assessed through the Cochrane Q test statistics and I² test. Finally, a random effects meta-analysis model was computed to estimate the pooled prevalence of IPV. Associations between factors and IPV were also examined using a random effects model.

Results

After reviewing 605 studies, eight studies involving 2691 pregnant women fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in this meta-analysis. The findings of these eight studies revealed that a 26.1% (95% CI: 20, 32.3) overall prevalence of IPV among pregnant women in Ethiopia. The subgroup analysis of this study further revealed the highest observed prevalence was in Oromia region (35%), followed by Amhara region (29%). Mothers‘educational status (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1, 3.7), intimate partners’ educational status (OR: 3.5, 95%CI: 1.4, 8.5), and intimate partners’ alcohol use (OR: 11.4, 95%CI: 2.3, 56.6) were significantly associated with IPV among pregnant women.

Conclusion

This study found that the prevalence of IPV among pregnant women in Ethiopia was quite common; with slightly more than 1 in 4, pregnant women experienced IPV during pregnancy. Mothers’ educational status, intimate partners’ educational status, and intimate partners’ alcohol use were factors significantly associated with IPV among pregnant women.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12978-018-0637-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.