Intimate Partner Violence in Pregnancy in Africa
Author Information
Author(s): Shamu Simukai, Abrahams Naeemah, Temmerman Marleen, Musekiwa Alfred, Zarowsky Christina
Primary Institution: School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
Hypothesis
What is the prevalence and what are the risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV) among pregnant women in Africa?
Conclusion
The prevalence of IPV among pregnant women in Africa is one of the highest reported globally, with major risk factors including HIV infection, history of violence, and substance abuse.
Supporting Evidence
- The overall prevalence of IPV during pregnancy ranges from 2% to 57%.
- Meta-analysis yielded an overall prevalence of 15.23%.
- Five studies showed significant associations between HIV and IPV during pregnancy.
- Alcohol abuse by a partner increases a woman's chances of being abused during pregnancy.
- Low socioeconomic status and young age are also risk factors for IPV.
Takeaway
Many pregnant women in Africa experience violence from their partners, and this can be linked to factors like HIV and alcohol use.
Methodology
The study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 peer-reviewed articles on IPV prevalence and risk factors among pregnant women in Africa.
Potential Biases
Potential biases include underreporting of IPV due to fear of further violence and the use of non-validated instruments in some studies.
Limitations
The review may not cover all relevant studies, and some studies had methodological limitations that could affect the reported prevalence.
Participant Demographics
The studies included pregnant women from various African countries, with a focus on urban and rural settings.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 14.38 to 16.08%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website