Determinants of intimate partner violence among pregnant teenagers in Lira District

Abstract

Introduction Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy has emerged as a serious contributor to maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, it has negative health consequences like unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, substance /drug abuse, mental health consequences and injury, pregnancy-induced hypertension, suicide as well as fetal consequences like preterm birth and neonatal death (Gibbs et al., 2017; Horn, Puffer, Roesch, & Lehmann, 2014). Although a number of research has been done on IPV, there is still little known among pregnant teenagers (Stöckl, March, Pallitto, & Garcia-Moreno, 2014). Therefore, this study determined the prevalence and explore the factors associated with intimate partner violence among teenagers. Objective: To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with intimate partner violence among pregnant teenagers attending antenatal care at Lira Regional Referral Hospital and Ogur Health center IV, Lira District. Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study done among pregnant teenagers attending antenatal care at Lira regional referral hospital and Ogur health center IV. A total of 310 teenagers were recruited by consecutive sampling. Socio-demographic data and other characteristics were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Intimate partner violence was determined using the Conflict Tactile Scale 2 (CTS2) screening tool. Ethical approval was obtained. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: Overall prevalence of IPV was 40.6%. During current pregnancy, prevalence of IPV was 36.1%. Psychological, sexual and physical violence were found at 37.1%, 29.0% and 24.8% respectively with psychological aggression being the most prevalent form of violence. Partner alcohol intake (OR=4.995, 95%CI: 2.866-8.706, P =0.000); Polygamous relationship (OR=2.796, 95%CI: 1.495-5.227, p=0.001); and Major decision making in the home by partner (OR=2.420, 95%CI: 1.290-4.543: P=0.006); were independently associated with IPV. Conclusion: The prevalence of IPV among pregnant teenagers was high in Lira district. This was most likely to occur if the teenager was in a polygamous relationship, if the partner was the main decision maker in the home or was taking alcohol.