Correlates of intimate partner violence among pregnant women in Uganda

Abstract

This study examines the prevalence and factors associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy in Uganda. It highlights global and regional patterns, with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa where rates are highest. Findings underscore IPV as a critical public health and human rights issue affecting maternal and child health outcomes. Methods: The study utilized secondary data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) and adopted the complementary log-log regression to analyze the correlates of IPV among pregnant women in Uganda. Results: The prevalence of physical, emotional, and sexual IPV among pregnant women were 20%, 21% and 28%, respectively. In addition, those who had ever experienced any IPV were 41%. Pregnant women who were in the age bracket of 45-49 had higher odds (OR: 6.27, 95% CI: 1.39 28.23) of experiencing sexual IPV compared to those of age group 15-24. Respondents from eastern (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.13-3.67) and western Uganda (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.22-4.14) were more likely to experience sexual IPV compared to those from central Uganda. Pregnant women who were economically empowered were at a lesser risk of experiencing sexual, emotional and any IPV with odds ratio 0.46, 0.24, 0.13, and 0.32 respectively. Also, a pregnant woman whose husband had controlling behaviours, was more likely to experience physical, sexual, emotional and any IPV. Pregnant women’s partners who take alcohol had high odds of experiencing physical, emotional and any (OR: 2.32, 1.92, and 1.56 respectively). Pregnant women with 1-3 children were 1.6 times more likely to experience IPV compared to those with none also to respondents who had cowives were at a high risk (OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.27-2.23) of experiencing any IPV compared to the counterparts. Conclusion The study recommends integrating IPV screening into prenatal care, establishing support groups, and empowering women economically to reduce vulnerability. It urges government led sensitization, community engagement, and improved family planning access to address socio cultural drivers of IPV. Targeted interventions for partners with alcohol misuse and stronger law enforcement are also essential. Key words: Intimate Partner Violence, Uganda, Africa, Pregnancy. Subject keywords; Intimate partner violence, Pregnant women, Uganda