Prevalence and predictors of intimate partner violence among infertile women in a secondary health facility in South-South Nigeria.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Intimate partner violence (IPV) in a secondary health facility.

Design: A cross-sectional study.

Setting: Antenatal clinic of a secondary Health facility in Delta state, Nigeria, between July 1st, 2023, and June 30^th, 2024.

Participants: 244 women presenting for fertility management within the period of the study.

Main outcome measures: The proportion of women who suffered IPV due to infertility.

Results: The prevalence of IPV was 44.7%. Factors that were significantly associated with IPV were alcohol intake by the male partner [OR=2.74, 95% CI (1.25 - 6.01)], and male partner smoking habit [OR=5.90, 95% CI (2.50 - 14.00)]. Women in monogamous relationships were less likely to experience IPV [OR=0.12, 95% CI (0.02 - 0.60)]. Additionally, women who had given birth to one or more children with their partner were also less likely to suffer from IPV [OR=0.24, 95% CI (0.10 - 0.54)]. Psychological 40(16.4%), verbal 35(14.3%), and multiple 28 (11.5%) abuses were the most common forms of IPV. The majority of the participants, 110 (45.1%), would keep IPV a secret, while 54(22.1%) and 39(16.0%) would report to the family or resort to prayer.

Conclusions: Overall, the study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions addressing male substance abuse and societal attitudes towards infertility, particularly in polygamous households, to mitigate IPV against infertile women. Women should be educated on the importance of speaking up in the event of IPV.

Funding: None declared.