Citation

Ezeanochie MC, Olagbuji BN, Ande AB, Kubeyinje WE, Okonofua FE. Acta Obstet. Gynecol. Scand. 2011; 90(5): 535-539.

Affiliation

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1600-0412.2011.01083.x

PMID

21306341

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the prevalence and correlates of Intimate partner violence among HIV positive pregnant Nigerian women. Design. Cross-sectional study using an anonymous semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Setting. The antenatal clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, from June 2008 to December 2009. Population. 305 HIV positive women receiving antenatal care. Methods. An anonymous semi-structured World Health Organisation modified questionnaire that elicited information on the experiences of IPV, was administered to the women by trained female interviewers. Main outcome measures. Determine the prevalence, pattern and risk factors associated with experiencing intimate partner violence. Results. The prevalence of intimate partner violence among the women was 32.5% while psychological violence was the commonest form of violence reported (27.5%) and physical violence the least reported (5.9%). Identified risk factors for experiencing violence were multiparity (Odds ratio 9.4; CI 1.23-71.33), respondents with an HIV positive child (Odds ratio 9.2; CI 4.53-18.84), experience of violence before they were diagnosed HIV positive (Odds ratio 44.4; 10.33-190.42) and women with partners without post secondary education (Odds ratio 2.3; CI 1.40-3.91). Conclusion. Intimate partner violence is a prevalent public health problem among HIV infected pregnant women in our community and it may hinder efforts to scale up prevention of mother-child transmission programmes especially in developing countries. Screening for IPV to identify abused women should be incorporated into these programmes to offer them optimal care.

Language: en