The magnitude of intimate partner violence during pregnancy and associated factors in rural Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is a global public health issue associated with adverse maternal and newborn health outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of IPV during pregnancy and associated factors in rural Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 432 pregnant women in the rural Hadiya Zone, Central Ethiopia, in July 2023, using structured interview questionnaires. Multivariable logistic regression was performed and the results were reported using adjusted ORs (AORs) with 95% CIs.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of IPV during recent pregnancy was 38.37% (95% CI 33.82 to 43.18%). Among the specific forms of IPV, psychological, physical and sexual violence were 28.84% (95% CI 24.62 to 33.43%), 22.09% (95% CI 18.29 to 26.31%) and 20.70% (95% CI 17.02 to 24.84%), respectively. Key factors significantly associated with IPV during pregnancy included early marriage (before the age of 20 y), being uneducated, lower autonomy among women, husbands' cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, poor knowledge of IPV among husbands and husbands' involvement in antenatal care (ANC). IPV during pregnancy was notably high in the study setting.

CONCLUSIONS

Empowering women with low literacy, addressing male substance abuse, raising IPV awareness, promoting women's autonomy and encouraging male involvement in ANC visits are critical for reducing IPV.