Background One of the outcomes of sexual violence is unintended pregnancy. In Zambia, 15% of married women age 15—49 years had experienced sexual violence from their husband or partner. The prevalence of unintended pregnancies among women age 15—49 years has risen from 33% in 1992 to 38% in 2018. The link between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy in Zambia was investigated in this study. Methods This study used the women's dataset from the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey, a cross-sectional survey. The study looked at a weighted sample size of 4,465 women age 15 – 49 years. Unintended pregnancy was measured by combining response categories of mistimed and unwanted pregnancy. Multivariate binary logistic regression was performed to establish the net effects of sexual violence and each explanatory variable on unintended pregnancy. Results The findings suggest that sexual violence does have a role in unintended pregnancies (AOR 1.74; CI 1.38—2.19). Ever use of contraception is also a significant predictor of unintended pregnancy (AOR 1.48; CI 1.16—1.88), even when other characteristics are taken into account. Results have shown that a woman who had ever used contraception and had experienced sexual violence was more likely to have an unintended pregnancy. Conclusion Spousal sexual violence is highly associated with unintended pregnancies in Zambia. Addressing intimate partner sexual violence is among the ways to prevent unintended pregnancies. It is also important to sensitize women on reporting acts of sexual violence to relevant authorities as this will not only prevent reoccurrence of sexual violence but also reduce unintended pregnancies and associated long-term effects.

Background Infant and child nutrition in Zambia remains a pressing public health problem. The Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) indicates that 35% of children under-five and 36 % among those aged 6-23 months are stunted. This study set out to assess the influence of Infant and Child Feeding (IYCF) practices on child stunting (6-23 months) in Zambia. Methods The 2008 ZDHS children’s data were analysed to measure stunting among infants aged 6-23 months. We fitted a bivariate logistic regression to measure association between feeding practices and stunting in children. Pearson’s Chi-square test of proportions measuring differences in proportions and adjusted odd ratios (AOR) with confidence intervals at 95% are reported. Results Findings indicate that 36% were stunted. IYCF practices indicators remain relatively poor in Zambia with only 13% of children age 6-23 months having received minimum acceptable diet, 23% received minimum dietary diversity and 42% received minimum meal frequency. Breastfeeding and receipt of a minimum dietary diversity reduced the odds of stunting among children age 6-23 months by 38% and 33% respectively. A child's perceived low birth size, being male, maternal anaemia status and mother's use of the internet were significant predictors of stunting.Conclusion We conclude that IYCF practices have an influence on stunting in Zambia and that socio-economic and demographic factors are likewise associated with stunting although the main determinants are amendable to intervention. Promoting the recommended WHO IYCF practices; breastfeeding, minimum meal frequency, receiving foods with diverse dietary content and accelerated investment in nutrition programs is recommended.

Background: Intimate partner violence against women is acknowledged as a worldwide public health issue. One of the outcomes of sexual violence is unintended pregnancy. In Zambia, 15% of married women age 15 to 49 had experienced sexual violence from their husband or partner. Since 1992, the prevalence of unintended pregnancies among women age 15 to 49 has risen to 38%. The link between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy in Zambia was investigated in this study.Methods: The women's dataset from the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey was used in this study. The study looked at a weighted sample size of 5,132 women age 15 to 49. Descriptive, chi-square, bivariate, and multivariate binary logistic regressions were used in the data analysis. Multivariate binary logistic regression was performed to establish the net effects of sexual violence and each explanatory variable on unintended pregnancy.Results: The findings suggest that sexual violence does have a role in unintended pregnancies (AOR 1.74; 1.38 - 2.19). Contraception use is also a significant predictor of unintended pregnancy (AOR 1.48; 1.16 - 1.88), even when other characteristics are taken into account. Results have shown that if a woman had ever used contraception and had experienced sexual violence, she was more likely to have an unintended pregnancy.Conclusion: Spousal sexual violence is highly associated with unintended pregnancies in Zambia. Addressing intimate partner sexual violence is among the ways to prevent unintended pregnancies. It is also important to sensitize on women reporting acts of sexual violence to relevant authorities as this will not only prevent reoccurrence of sexual violence but also reduce unintended pregnancies and associated long-term effects.

Background Intimate partner violence against women is acknowledged as a worldwide public health issue. One of the outcomes of sexual violence is unintended pregnancy. In Zambia, 15% of married women age 15 to 49 had experienced sexual violence from their husband or partner. Since 1992, the prevalence of unintended pregnancies among women age 15 to 49 has risen to 38%. The link between sexual violence and unintended pregnancy in Zambia was investigated in this study. Methods The women's dataset from the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey was used in this study. The study looked at a weighted sample size of 5,132 women age 15 to 49. Descriptive, chi-square, bivariate, and multivariate binary logistic regressions were used in the data analysis. Multivariate binary logistic regression was performed to establish the net effects of sexual violence and each explanatory variable on unintended pregnancy. Results The findings suggest that sexual violence does have a role in unintended pregnancies (AOR 1.74; 1.38–2.19). Contraception use is also a significant predictor of unintended pregnancy (AOR 1.48; 1.16–1.88), even when other characteristics are taken into account. Results have shown that if a woman had ever used contraception and had experienced sexual violence, she was more likely to have an unintended pregnancy. Conclusion Spousal sexual violence is highly associated with unintended pregnancies in Zambia. Addressing intimate partner sexual violence is among the ways to prevent unintended pregnancies. It is also important to sensitize on women reporting acts of sexual violence to relevant authorities as this will not only prevent reoccurrence of sexual violence but also reduce unintended pregnancies and associated long-term effects.