Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes of Violence Against Women and Girls in Lower-Income Countries: A Review of Reviews

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls is pervasive and has negative consequences for sexual and reproductive health (SRH). In this systematic review of reviews, we aimed to synthesize research about the SRH outcomes of GBV for adolescent girls and young women in low-and middleincome countries (LMICs). GBV exposures were child abuse, female genital mutilation/cutting, child marriage, intimate partner violence (IPV), and non-partner sexual violence. PsycINFO, PubMed, and Scopus searches were supplemented with expert consultations, reference-list searches, and targeted organizational website searches. Reviews had to contain samples of girls and young women ages 10-24, although inclusion criteria were expanded post-hoc to capture adolescent-adult combined samples. Twenty-seven reviews were quality-rated. Study-level data were extracted from the 10 highest quality reviews (62 unique studies, 100 samples). Reviews were mostly from Africa and Asia and published between 2011 and 2015. We found consistent associations between GBV and number of sexual partners, gynecological conditions (e.g., sexually transmitted infections [STIs]), unwanted/unplanned pregnancy, and abortion. Some types of IPV also were associated with greater use of contraception/STI prevention. Addressing GBV is essential to improve SRH for girls and women in LMICs.

Risk factors associated with high prevalence of intimate partner violence amongst school-going young women (aged 15–24years) in Maputo, Mozambique

“…The study population was young women 15−24 years and women attending classes in each of the selected schools during August and November 2019, aged between 15-24 years, were included in the study. Women aged 15−24 years are at increased risk of adverse health and reproductive health outcomes [5] and since young women in Mozambique often start school when they are older, 15−24 year old women are to be found in secondary schools [26,27]. Also, since schools are often the setting where young women receive education and health promotion programs, it is feasible that comprehensive programs can be provided aimed at empowering young women with the knowledge and skills to reduce their vulnerabilities.…”

“…While numerous factors influencing IPV against women have been identified by social scientists, most of the studies are focusing on older women [4]. The factors most reported about women in general include individual factors such as their HIV-positive status, level of education, economic status, having witnessed violence during childhood and partner's alcohol abuse [5][6][7]. Patriarchal societies have also been reported as promoting IPV against women [8][9][10].…”

Evidence of sociocultural factors influencing intimate partner violence among young women in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review

“…The problem of IPV among young women is thus of concern and deserves immediate attention in order to mitigate such violence, since this group of women is still developing, and the negative impact of IPV is likely to compromise their lives and future well-being. 15 16 The factors that influence IPV among young women are well documented in developed countries, particularly in the US settings, and this includes economic, psychological, physical and cultural factors, but there is less evidence available from SSA settings. 17–19 The main challenges to the prevention of IPV among this population are therefore: first, little is known about the sociocultural factors that contribute toward IPV in young women who, although still living at home, may be in violent relationships.…”

Outcomes of sexual abuse on self-esteem among adolescents: A systematic review

“…The outcomes or implications of these sexual or reproductive challenges on other areas of adolescents' life such as sex life, spiritual and psychological activities will also be needed in an attempt to optimally satisfy SDG 3. Gender-based violence against girls and women, for instance, has been found to be pervasive and has negative effects on sexual and reproductive health (Grose et al, 2020). When outcomes are known, drivers of SGD 3 will use such to improve universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care service delivery and thereby ensuring and promoting healthy lives and well-being of all.…”