Magnitude of Intimate Partner Violence and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women in Ethiopia

Background. Intimate partner violence during pregnancy is the most common and major public health problem and human rights
issue worldwide and has a negative effect on the lives of both mother and fetus. Despite its prominence, this issue has received little
attention in Ethiopia as well as many sub-Saharan African countries. )is study assessed the magnitude of intimate partner
violence and associated factors among pregnant women in Ofla District, Tigray, Ethiopia. Methods. A facility-based crosssectional study was conducted from March 1 to 30, 2019, among 543 pregnant women who visited antenatal care in the health
facilities. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Pretested, interviewer-administered data
collection was done using a standardized World Health Organization multicountry questionnaire for women’s health and
domestic violence against women. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify factors
associated with violence. p value was set at p < 0.05. Results. )e overall prevalence of intimate partner violence during the current
pregnancy was 37.5%: psychological (25.1%), sexual (17.7%), and physical violence (13.4%). Violence was associated with unplanned pregnancy ((AOR = 4.56, 95% CI: (2, 10.28)), unmarried women ((AOR = 2.59, 95% CI: (1.18, 5.73)), having alcoholic
partner ((AOR = 3.3, 95% CI: (2.1, 5.16)), spouse’s multiple sexual partners status ((AOR = 5.1, 95% CI: (2.2, 12)), acceptance of
violence by women ((AOR = 1.85, 95% CI: (1.1, 3.16)), low decision-making power of women ((AOR = 2.64, 95% CI: (1.6, 4.3)),
and no interest in current pregnancy by partner ((AOR = 5.9, 95% CI: (2.36, 14.9)). Conclusions. More than one-third of pregnant
women experienced intimate partner violence during a recent pregnancy. )is is high and may lead to health consequences for
both mothers and fetuses. Addressing gender inequitable norms, the culture of silence (support) to intimate partner violence in
the community and women’s reproductive health information through intervention measures are very important to minimize
the problem.