Prevalence and correlates of intimate partner violence, before and during pregnancy among attendees of maternal and child health services, Enugu, Nigeria: Mixed method approach, January 2015

Abstract

Introduction Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is an under-reported public health problem. This study determined the prevalence of IPV and types of IPV, complications and factors associated with IPV among women accessing health services. Methods we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 702 women accessing maternal and child health services in Enugu State, Nigeria using multi-stage sampling technique. Quantitative data was collected using semi-structured questionnaire, qualitative data by key informant interview (KII). We analysed data using descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The level of statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic content analysis. Results mean age of respondents was 27.71 ± 5.14 years and 654 (93.2%) were married. Prevalence of IPV, a year before last pregnancy, was 307 (43.7%) and during last pregnancy was 261 (37.2%). Frequent involvement in physical fights with other men, controlling behaviour and younger aged partners (< 40 years) were independent predictors of IPV experience both before and during pregnancy. Independent predictors of IPV experience before and during pregnancy were younger aged partners (< 40 years). [Adjusted Odds Ratio AOR 1.72; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.17, 2.53], partner having controlling behaviour AOR 2.24; 95% C.I=1.51-3.32) and Partner's frequent involvement in physical fights (AOR 2.29; 95% C.I = 1.43-3.66). Having a male child and married/cohabiting were protective against violence. KII revealed poverty, lack of education and infidelity as common triggers of IPV. Conclusion the prevalence of IPV and types of IPV was high and the predisposing factors of IPV in Enugu were multifactorial. Couple counselling sessions that focus on non-violence conflict resolution techniques is crucial to end IPV.

Does intimate partner violence influence the utilization of maternal health services?

“…The study also supports that younger age and poor financial status were associated with IPV during pregnancy as observed by Doi et al (2019). Another study shows that poverty, lack of education and food security lead to IPV during and after pregnancy (29,30). Appropriate interventions can minimize and control the IPV as various experiments became successful in many countries (31).…”

Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence in Pregnancy: An Umbrella Review

“…However, information about IPV prevalence is not consistent. Whereas some studies indicate higher prevalence of IPV during pregnancy than before [ 11 ] or after [ 12 , 13 ] the pregnancy, other studies report a smaller prevalence [ 14 , 15 ]. Furthermore, the prevalence of IPV during pregnancy is reported to vary depending on the definition used [ 1 ], the screening strategy [ 16 , 17 ], and the development status of the population studied [ 10 , 18 ].…”

Does intimate partner violence influence the utilization of maternal health services?

“…Previous research also supports that younger age and poor financial status were associated with IPV during pregnancy as observed by Doi et al (2019). Another study showed that poverty, lack of education and food security is associated with IPV during and after pregnancy (30,31). Appropriate interventions have been shown to help minimize and control IPV as various experiments demonstrated at in several countries (32).…”