Domestic Violence in Antenatal Attendees atT Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakalike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria: Prevalence, Pattern and Determinants

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Domestic violence is a form of subjugation on women by their intimate partner. It is associated with adverse consequences particularly when it occurs during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, Pattern and determinants of domestic Violence in antenatal attendees in our facility.

METHOD

A self-administered pretested questionnaire was used for this cross sectional survey of pregnant women who attended antenatal clinic between September to December 2016 at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki. Data were inputted into Epi info software and analyzed. The level of significance was set at p<0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 400 questionnaires were correctly filled out of 409 questionnaires that was administered. The questionnaires were then analyzed using the Epi info. Bivariate Analysis between sociodemographic variables and presence of domestic violence was done. The mean age of participants was 28.8 years. The prevalence of domestic violence was 61%. Half of responders (50.6%) suffered emotional violence, followed by physical violence(42% ), then sexual violence(32%). The main determinants of domestic violence were early age of marriage, marital status and the socio-economic status of the partners.

CONCLUSSION

The prevalence of domestic violence was high and most of these cases were not reported. Public health enlightenment and incorporation of domestic violence management into the antenatal care models are critical and effective intervention to assist our client to have an optimal pregnancy outcome.