Citation

Tiruye TY, Harris ML, Chojenta C, Holliday E, Loxton D. Int. J. Public Health 2020; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s00038-020-01510-3

PMID

33048193

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and unintended pregnancy among women in Ethiopia.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of nationally representative data was conducted among 2969 married women of reproductive age (15-49 years). Logistic regression models were used to estimate the association of IPV with the outcome variable.

RESULTS: Unintended pregnancy was reported by 26.5% of women. About 36% of participants reported having ever experienced IPV (a composite measure of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse) and 56% had experienced at least one act of partner controlling behaviour. After controlling for potential confounders, a significant association was observed between IPV and unintended pregnancy (AOR 1.39, 95% CI 1.05, 1.85) and between multiple acts of partner controlling behaviours and unintended pregnancy (AOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.16, 2.14).

CONCLUSIONS: In Ethiopia, which has a high fertility rate (4.6 children per woman) and low use of contraception (36%), IPV including partner controlling behaviour further contributes to the problem of unintended pregnancy. Reproductive health programs should be sensitive to the relational aspects of fertility control and incorporate IPV interventions into reproductive health services.

Language: en

Keywords

Ethiopia; Intimate partner violence; Demographic and health survey; Partner controlling behaviour; Unintended pregnancy