Association between sexual violence and multiple high-risk fertility behaviours among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa

Introduction Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue, predominantly among women in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana. Existing evidence indicates high rates of IPV perpetration and its associated adverse health outcomes. Despite previous studies, reliance on old data underscores the need for current, nationally representative data to inform policy-making and interventions. Therefore, this study utilizes the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) to examine IPV experiences and associated factors, aiming to provide updated insights for effective IPV mitigation strategies in Ghana. Methods This is a cross-sectional study of a weighted sample of 3,741 women between the ages of 15–49 years old from the 2022 GDHS. Binary logistic regression analysis was used in predicting the outcome. Results The study found that 36.4 percent of women in Ghana had experienced some form of IPV, primarily emotional violence (31.5%), physical violence (17.3%), and sexual violence (7.6%). Women with higher levels of education had a significantly reduced risk of 60% of experiencing some form of IPV than those with no formal education. Partner domineering behaviours, such as women whose partners often get jealous for seeing them talk with other men [adjusted OR:1.76, 95%CI:1.25,2.48], accusing them of unfaithfulness [adjusted OR:2.59, 95%CI:1.03,2.46], not permitting them to meet female friends [adjusted OR:1.1.59, 95%CI:1.03,2.46], and limiting their contact with family [adjusted OR:5.75, 95%CI:2.27,13.42], were more likely to experience at least one form of IPV. Similarly, women who justified or endorsed wife beating had a higher likelihood [aOR = 1.57, 95%CI = 1.22,2.02] of experiencing at least one form of IPV than those who did not endorse such behaviour. Conclusion Identifying educational attainment, partner dominance, and violence endorsement as IPV predictors underscore targeted interventions. Promoting women’s education bolsters empowerment and IPV prevention. Addressing dominance through education, counselling, and legal frameworks is crucial for fostering safer relationships and challenging violence normalization.

show abstract

Socioeconomic inequalities in high-risk fertility behaviour among Nigerian women: A non-experimental population-based study

Ekholuenetale

2024

PLoS ONE

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background High-risk fertility behaviour (HRFB) has adverse health, social and economic effects on women. An understanding of socioeconomic inequalities is needed to design effective interventions targeted to lower maternal morbidity and mortality due to HRFB. Objectives The objective was to quantify socioeconomic inequalities in HRFB among Nigerian women. Design This was a cross-section study that used population-based data. Methods A sample of 21,792 Nigerian women aged 15–49 years from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey was analyzed. Percentage was employed in univariate analysis. In addition, concentration index was used to assess the extent of inequalities in HRFB. This was further decomposed to ascertain the explanatory components’ relative contributions to the socioeconomic inequalities in HRFB. Results The weighted prevalence of HRFB (63.5%; 95% CI: 62.6–64.4%), included <18 years at childbirth (4.9%; 95% CI:4.5–5.3%), >34 years at childbirth (18.3%; 95% CI: 17.6–19.0%), >3 children birth order (49.6%; 95% CI: 48.7–50.5%) and <24 months at preceding birth interval (17.0% 95% CI: 16.3–17.6%) were estimated. Education (Contri: 50.3997%, Ec: 0.2771), wealth (Contri: 27.2811%, Ec: 0.2665), socioeconomic disadvantaged (Contri: 14.9163%, Ec: -0.0996), religion (Contri: 13.8636%, Ec: -0.0496), region (Contri: 11.1724%, Ec: 0.0711), partner education (Contri: 7.1351%, Ec: 0.2138), media use (Contri: 4.5064%, Ec: 0.1449) and family motility (Contri: 3.7890%, Ec: -0.0281) were positive contributors to HRFBs among Nigerian women. However, age (Contri: -14.6237, Ec: 0.0089) and history of contraceptive use (Contri: -8.7723, Ec: -0.2094) were negative contributors to HRFBs among women of reproductive age in Nigeria. Conclusion Women who have low socioeconomic level reported higher prevalence of HRFB. Targeted interventions are required to lower HRFB among Nigerian women from poor households and with no formal education. Women should get counselling and assistance from healthcare and educational institutions to help them adopt healthy sexual and reproductive practices.

show abstract

Association between sexual violence and multiple high-risk fertility behaviours among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa

Cited by 3 publications

References 32 publications

Spatial Regression Models on Sexual Violence Against Women in Mexico City

Spatial Regression Models on Sexual Violence Against Women in Mexico City

Unveiling Shadows: Investigating women’s experience of intimate partner violence in Ghana through the lens of the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey

Socioeconomic inequalities in high-risk fertility behaviour among Nigerian women: A non-experimental population-based study

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About