Intimate partner violence and sexual health outcomes: a population-based study among 16-44-year-old women in Estonia.

BACKGROUND

Violence against women as a public issue and health burden has only recently been acknowledged in Estonia. The aim of this study was to outline the prevalence and to explore the associations of intimate partner violence (IPV) and selected sexual health outcomes.

METHODS

Data from the population based cross-sectional survey among representative sample of 16-44-year-old non-pregnant women (n = 1966) were analysed using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 1966 respondents, 362 (18.4%) reported IPV during 12 months preceding the survey. Physical IPV was reported by 339 (17.2%), sexual by 80 (4.1%) and both physical and sexual by 35 (1.8%) of respondents. After controlling for significant confounding socio-demographic factors, exposure to IPV was found to be associated with contraception non-use [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44-2.82] or the use of unreliable contraceptive methods (AOR = 1.54, CI 1.16-2.04) during the most recent sexual intercourse, having never used a condom (AOR = 1.53, CI 1.12-2.10), repeat induced abortion (AOR = 1.72, CI 1.24-2.37), lifetime sexually transmitted infections (AOR = 2.05, CI 1.56-2.68) and dyspareunia (AOR = 2.14, CI 1.65-2.77).

CONCLUSION

The exposure of IPV was an important contributor to sexual risk behaviour and adverse sexual health outcomes among women of reproductive age in Estonia. Any strategy to promote sexual health should include prevention of IPV and other forms of violence against women with the strengthening of women's sexual and reproductive rights.