A call for action: Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence among Pregnant Women attending Antenatal Clinics in Primary Health Centres in Kotangora, North-Central Nigeria

Ajayi AO; Ogwumike IS; Akande RO; Akande JO; Faramade MA; Agbona MA; Ige RO; Ajayi AA; Olagbegi OF; Olagbegi OV; Ehinola IL

doi:10.61386/imj.v19i4.1347

Authors

Ajayi AO Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
Ogwumike IS General Hospital Kotangora, Niger State, Nigeria
Akande RO Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8945-9624
Akande JO Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
Faramade MA Department of Community Medicine, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
Agbona MA Department of Rehabilitation and Health Services, University of North Texas, Denton, TX USA
Ige RO Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
Ajayi AA Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
Olagbegi OF BAFROW Medical Centre, the Gambia
Olagbegi OV BAFROW Medical Centre, the Gambia
Ehinola IL Potens Homes, 44 Newbold Rd, Chesterfield S41 7PL, United kingdom

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v19i4.1347

Keywords:

Intimate partner, violence, pregnant women, antenatal care, Primary health centres

Abstract

Context: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) particularly during pregnancy is a significant global public health challenge that negatively impacts maternal and child health outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of IPV among pregnant women in Kotangora, North-Central Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study conducted among 441 pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Primary Health Centres. Multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents and data were collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done at univariate, bivariate, and multivariate levels. Level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: Prevalence of physical violence among the pregnant women was 84.1%. Patterns of physical abuse experienced by majority of the respondents 347, (78.7%) included hair pulling, being kicked 323, (73.2%) and 346, (78.5%) said their partners had tried to choke them. A significant proportion of the study participants 408, (92.5%) also reported experiencing sexual abuse by their husbands. The predictors of IPV among the pregnant women were age at marriage (p=0.006; OR: 4.293; 95% CI: 1.524 to 12.099), family setting (p=0.021; OR: 0.277; 95% CI: 0.094 to 0.1823), level of education (p=0.06; OR: 6.017; 95% CI: 0.927 to 39.052) and living with husband’s relatives. (p=0.001; OR: 7.299; 95% CI: 2.353 to 22.648).

Conclusion: The high prevalence of IPV among pregnant women in Kotangora underscores the need for targeted interventions addressing socio-cultural factors. Incorporating routine IPV screening into antenatal care and implementing policy reforms focused on women's empowerment are crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes.