Current Medicine Research and Practice (Oct 2024)

Intimate partner violence among pregnant women in Anambra State, Nigeria: Prevalence, pattern, determinants and coping strategies

  • Benjamin Chukwunonso Okonkwo,
  • Nkiru Nwamaka Ezeama,
  • Gabriel Chidera Edeh,
  • Shadrach Arinze Okolo,
  • Chinonuju Franklin Chiekezie,
  • Chidindu Prince Anagwu,
  • Michael Chukwuebuka Awugosi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/cmrp.cmrp_105_24
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 5
pp. 200 – 207

Abstract

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Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) has emerged as a global phenomenon, with pregnant women being particularly vulnerable, especially in developing countries. Despite its diverse manifestations and severe impacts, IPV is sometimes perceived as culturally acceptable or as a means of controlling women. Aims This study aimed to assess the prevalence, patterns and determinants of IPV amongst pregnant women attending antenatal care (ANC) at a tertiary hospital in Anambra State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional survey enrolled 400 pregnant women receiving ANC at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State. Data collection utilised semi-structured, self-administered questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. Results In this study we found a 21.8% prevalence of IPV. Psychological violence was the most common form, followed by sexual and physical violence at rates of 72.4%, 35.6%, and 32.2% respectively. Risk factors associated with IPV included low educational attainment, maternal unemployment, average monthly income of <50,000 naira, partner unemployment and substance abuse, increased maternal age, having family members choose their partner and marital conflicts. Various coping strategies were identified amongst victims, including help-seeking, spiritual recourse, substance abuse, retaliation and divorce. Alarmingly, 75.9% of the participants took no action when faced with IPV. Conclusion This study underscores the prevalence of IPV among pregnant women, with approximately one in five reporting victimisation during pregnancy. Psychological, sexual, and physical forms of violence occurred in decreasing order of prevalence. We found that a range of factors, including individual and relationship-related factors, correlated with increased odds of IPV. Women who experience IPV adopt different strategies, including help-seeking, spiritual recourse, substance abuse, retaliation, divorce and in some cases, passivity.

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