MAGNITUDE OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN FOLLOWING ANTENATAL CARE AT PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITIES IN OFLA DISTRICT, TIGRAY REGION, NORTHERN ETHIOPIA.

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence during pregnancy is the most common and major serious public health problem and human right issue that has a negative effect on the life of both the mother and the fetus all over the world, but more so in low and middle-income countries including Ethiopia. Recently, attention is given to domestic violence against women in the world. Nonetheless, violence committed by an intimate partner to pregnant women is not clearly understood by the socity in Africa as general and specifically in the study area (Ofla District). Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the magnitude of intimate partner violence and associated factors during current pregnancy among pregnant women following ANC at public health facilities in Ofla District, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia from March 1-30/2019. Methods and Materials: Facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 543 pregnant women visited antenatal care in the facilities and a systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Pretested, face to face interviewer administered and a standard WHO multi-country study on women’s health and domestic violence against women questionnaire was used for data collection. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify factors associated with intimate partner violence. Results: The prevalence of intimate partner violence during the current pregnancy was 37.5%. Of them, Psychological, sexual and physical violence was 25.1%, 17.7% and 13.4% respectively. Unplanned pregnancy [(AOR= 4.56, 95% CI: (2, 10.28)], Unmarried women [(AOR= 2.59, 95% CI:(1.18, 5.73)], having drinker partner [(AOR= 3.3, 95% CI:(2.1, 5.16)], having multiple sexual partners(by partner) [(AOR=5.1, 95% CI:(2.2, 12)], acceptance of violence [(AOR= 1.85, 95% CI:(1.088, 3.16)], low decision making power of pregnant [(AOR=2.64, 95% CI:(1.6, 4.3)] and undesired the current pregnancy by partner [(AOR= 5.9, 95% CI:(2.36, 14.9)] were the main significant factors that increase the risk of intimate partner violence during current pregnancy. Conclusions: Overall, more than one-third of pregnant women experienced Intimate partner violence during pregnancy. This is high which may lead to health consequence both on the mothers and on their fetuses. Ofla district should Strengthen the provision of women’s reproductive health information and community awareness to reduce violence against pregnant women.