Prevalence and predictors of domestic violence among pregnant women in Ethiopia: Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

Introduction: Domestic violence remains a major global health and human rights issue, with pregnant women being among the most affected groups. In Ethiopia, evidence from individual studies on violence during pregnancy has been inconsistent. Therefore, this review aimed to estimate the combined prevalence of domestic violence among pregnant women in Ethiopia and to identify determinants contributing to its occurrence.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed across multiple databases, including PubMed, HINARI, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Global Health, African Journals Online (AJOL), and Google Scholar. Study quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the Cochrane Q and I² statistics, and a random-effects model was applied to compute the pooled prevalence.

Results: The overall pooled prevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy in Ethiopia was found to be 44% (95% CI: 29.86-58.15). The likelihood of experiencing violence was significantly higher among women with partners who consumed alcohol frequently (POR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.43-1.85), those with low educational attainment (AOR = 6.3; 95% CI: 2.78-14.44), and women with unintended pregnancies (POR = 4.99; 95% CI: 2.96-8.43).

Conclusion: Nearly half of pregnant women in Ethiopia face domestic violence; influenced primarily by low educational status, partner alcohol use, and unintended pregnancy. Addressing this public health challenge requires integrated interventions focusing on women's empowerment, male partner behavior, reproductive health services, and routine screening in antenatal care.