Intimate partner violence among pregnant women in a tertiary hospital in Niger delta, Nigeria: The role of socioeconomic factors and cultural acceptance

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) represents a significant public health concern, particularly among pregnant women who face heightened vulnerability. This study assessed the prevalence, patterns, and determinants of IPV among pregnant women at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), with a focus on the roles of socioeconomic status (SES) and cultural acceptance (CA). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 359 pregnant women attending antenatal care at RSUTH were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The instrument collected data on socio-demographic characteristics and detailed IPV experiences including severe combined abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and harassment. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and One-Way MANOVA to evaluate the impact of SES and CA on IPV patterns. Results: Overall, 68.0% of respondents reported experiencing IPV at least once. Severe combined abuse was observed in 51.3% of cases (with 48.7% reporting repeated episodes), while physical abuse was reported by 73.8% of women, and emotional abuse affected 56.3% once and 43.5% repeatedly. Harassment was notably prevalent, with 40.4% experiencing it once and 51.0% repeatedly. Analysis revealed that lower SES was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of physical abuse (F=24.882, p<0.001), whereas higher SES correlated with increased harassment (F=8.546, P=0.004). Furthermore, greater cultural acceptance was significantly linked to both physical abuse (F=4.679, P=0.031) and harassment (T=8.077, P=0.005). Conclusion: The high prevalence of IPV among pregnant women at RSUTH, along with its significant association with socioeconomic and cultural factors, underscores the urgent need for culturally sensitive screening and intervention strategies. These findings highlight the importance of addressing both economic empowerment and cultural norms in efforts to mitigate IPV and improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes.