Intimate partner violence against pregnant women in East Gojjam Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Though underestimated, intimate partner violence (IPV) against women in Ethiopia is among the highest in the world. The overall aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and forms of intimate partner violence during pregnancy, associated factors, and recommendations to reduce the act. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 25 to February 15, 2018 in government health facilities, North West Ethiopia. Married women who seek antenatal care service were participated in the study. Ethical clearance and approval was obtained from Amhara Regional Health Bureau research and publication committee. Informed consent was obtained from women and facility managers before collecting the data. Odds ratio (OR) with 95%CI was computed to determine the presence and strength of association between the outcome of interest and key independent variables. Results: Nearly half (46.4%) of the study participants were victims of at least one episodes of intimate partner violence in the recent pregnancy. Psychological violence 141 (44.2%) was the most common form of violence encountered followed by sexual violence 137 (42.9%). Significant proportion of women were insulted, forced to have sex, pushed/shoved, kicked/beaten, and slapped/thrown something at them (30.1 - 39.4 %) in the recent pregnancy. Lack of formal education, arranged marriages, lack of decision-making autonomy in household matters and wider spousal age difference were significantly associated with intimate partner violence. Conclusions: Higher proportion of pregnant women experienced intimate partner violence. Sociodemographic factors were associated with intimate partner violence. We suggest interventions focusing on education for raising community awareness through different strategies. Strengthening health facilities is also important to early identify and manage pregnant women with intimate partner violence, and prevent adverse birth outcomes of the act.

Prevalence and Determinants of Intimate Partner Violence Among Antenatal Care Attendees in Case of Adama Hospital Medical College

“…In current study among women with history of IPV, Psychological/emotional violence was the common type of violence 39.9%( 95% CI: 35.5-44.7).This nding is consistent with Gambia 43% [13], East gojjam Zone 44.2%) [10] but higher than Kisumu District Hospital in Kenya 29% [25], Public Health Facilities of Hossana Town 20% [23],O a District in Tigray 25.1%) [26] and Debre Markos town health 29.1% [11]. The probable justi cation for such discrepancy may be observed due to lack of awareness, low level of education, society perception on IPV in our study area.…”

“…In this study, the overall prevalence of IPV among pregnant women found to be 40.8%.This nding is lower as compared to studies Northern Cyprus 68% [12],Gambia 62% [13], Abuja Teaching Hospital in Nigeria 56.3% [14], Oyo state in Nigeria 72.0% [15], Maputo city of Mozambique was 70.2%[16], Uganda 56% [5], West Pokot county of Kenya 66.9% [17], East Gojjam zone 46.4% [10] and Bale zone 59.0%…”

“…There are increasing studies from Africa that report on IPV among pregnant women. A study from from Gambia showed 61.8% of pregnant women experience IPV [2],similarly a study from Uganda also showed 56% of married pregnant women experienced some form of IPV [5], the problem of IPV is not limited in Africa but also extends to Ethiopia for instance Abay Chomen district Western Ethiopia 44.5% [9], East Gojjam Zone 46.4% [10]and Debre Markos town health facilities 41.1% [11].This shows despite a remarkable achievement has been made to end IPV, the problem is still persisting without signi cant change. As far as our knowledge is concerned there is no previous study conducted in current study setting.…”

Intimate Partner Violence Among Pregnant Women in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2021

“…In 2014, a cross sectional study in Hossana, reported IPV during pregnancy of 23% [9]while in the same year a cross sectional study in west Shewa, Oromia found IPV during pregnancy to be 64% [8]. Another cross sectional study in 2018 in Debre Markos, Amhara region reported prevalence of 41.1% [7] and in the same year almost similar nding(46.4%) was reported from cross sectional study in east gojjam [10]. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and factors associated with IPV among pregnant women attending ANC at SPHMMC and a liate hospitals.…”