A Case-Control Study on Intimate Partner Violence during Pregnancy and Low Birth Weight, Southeast Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction. Violence against women has serious consequences for their reproductive and sexual health including birth outcomes. In Ethiopia, though the average parity of pregnant women is much higher than in other African countries, the link between intimate partner violence with low birth weight is unknown. Objective. The aim of this study was to examine the association between intimate partner violence and low birth weight among pregnant women. Method. Hospital based case-control study was conducted among 387 mothers (129 cases and 258 controls). Anthropometric measurements were taken both from mothers and their live births. The association between intimate partner violence and birth weight was computed through bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses and statistical significance was declared at P < 0.05. Result. Out of 387 interviewed mothers, 100 (25.8%) had experienced intimate partner violence during their index pregnancy period. Relatively more mothers of low birth weight infants were abused (48%) compared with controls (16.4%). Those mothers who suffered acts of any type of intimate partner violence during pregnancy were three times more likely to have a newborn with low birth weight (95% CI; (1.57 to 7.18)). The association between overall intimate partner violence and LBW was adjusted for potential confounder variables. Conclusion. This research result gives insight for health professional about the importance of screening for intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Health care providers should consider violence in their practice and try to identify women at risk.

Association Between Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy And Birth Asphyxia In Hospitals Of Tigray Region, Ethiopia

“…This is in line with the report from WHO 8% of Ethiopian women experienced physical violence during pregnancy [16]. But it is lower than studies done in Tanzania (30%), Vietnam (32.5%), Ethiopia hosanna (23%) and southeast Ethiopia (25.8%) [17,18,12,14]. The differences are likely partly due to true variations in prevalence, but could also be due to differences in study methodologies, timing of study and under reporting of IPV.…”

“…To calculate the sample size, we used available data that indicates 25.8 percent prevalence of IPV during pregnancy in Ethiopia [14] and 95% con dence interval, 5%margin of error, design effect 2 and expected non response rate 10%. Based on this the calculated sample size was 648.…”

Spatial Distribution and Determinant Factors of Intimate Partner Violence Among Reproductive age Group Women in Ethiopia; Generalized Structural Equation Modeling

“…The results of this study suggested that pregnant women were more probable to be sexually violated than non-pregnant women. Such violence during pregnancy does not only affect the women's reproductive health, but also leads to adverse outcomes of maternal and child health (44)(45)(46).…”

Intimate partner violence among pregnant women in Rwanda, its associated risk factors and relationship to ANC services attendance: a population-based study

“…IPV exerted towards a pregnant woman may have the most devastating health and social consequences both for the woman herself and for the fetus,2–4 and it may determine whether and when a pregnant woman seeks antenatal care services 5–8. Physical/sexual abuse may cause a range of health problems such as sexually transmitted infections, chronic pains, fractures as well as stress, anxiety and depression,9 and inability to be a good parent after childbirth 6. Furthermore, violence during pregnancy has been associated with fetal growth restriction, adverse pregnancy outcomes and childhood growth impairment 10 11.…”