Lived experiences of intimate partner violence survivors during pregnancy and who had spontaneous abortions: A phenomenological study to inform survivor-centered strategies

Abstract

Background: Previous studies quantified that women who experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) had a higher risk of spontaneous abortion than women who did not experience IPV. However, there is limited evidence documenting the experiences of women in Northern Ethiopia who have been subjected to partner violence and who had spontaneous abortions. This evidence is critical for policymakers looking to improve women’s access to maternity care. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of IPV survivors during pregnancy who had spontaneous abortions in Northern Ethiopia. Design: A phenomenological qualitative study design was used to explore the lived experiences of survivors of IPV who had spontaneous abortions. Methods: A total of 16 interviews were conducted between April 23 and June 5, 2020. Eight in-depth interviews and eight key informant interviews were conducted with eligible mothers who received the required service, Adigrat General Hospital service providers, zonal women’s affairs experts, and legal professionals. The purposive sampling technique was used to select study participants, and the sample size was determined using the information saturation principle. The data were analyzed through open coding and thematic content analysis. Result: The themes that emerged in this study included opinions toward IPV, mothers’ and experts’ experiences of partner support during pregnancy, attitudes toward IPV, and understanding of spontaneous abortion. Physical, emotional, sexual, and economic pressure were identified as the most common forms of IPV. Participants in the study believed that physical violence and stress were associated with spontaneous abortion. They also mentioned various strategies for preventing IPV, such as providing job opportunities for women, punishing perpetrators, and encouraging mutual tolerance. Conclusion: This study found that spontaneous abortion is linked to any type of IPV, including physical IPV during pregnancy. IPV is a community-supported event that necessitates strategies and legal frameworks to prevent and mitigate its effects.