Intimate Partner Violence Against Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care In Jos University Teaching Hospital: Prevalence, Causes And Consequences

Abstract

Pregnancy-related domestic abuse is a serious social problem that has signicant impact on the health of both the mother and the foetus. This study explores the prevalence, causes, and consequences of intimate partner violence (IPV) among pregnant patients at Jos University Teaching Hospital(JUTH) in Nigeria. Cross-sectional survey design involving the use of questionnaire as data collection instrument was used to capture the diverse character of IPV encounters to meet the study's objectives. 103 pregnant women participated in total. The results show that pregnant women receiving prenatal treatment at JUTH have a concerningly high incidence of IPV, with 60% of them reporting having experienced nancial, emotional, or physical abuse at the hands of their intimate partners. IPV is caused by several factors, including gender inequity, sociocultural norms, economic reliance, and a lack of knowledge about legal rights. Maternal health is greatly impacted by IPV as signied by the strong correlations found between IPV exposure and unfavourable pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. The ndings highlight how vital it is to combat IPV against pregnant women in Nigeria through multi-sectoral initiatives. To combat cultural norms that support IPV, recommendations include encouraging education and awareness campaigns, bolstering legal frameworks, and enabling women to seek treatment. Stakeholders may contribute to safer conditions for expectant mothers and their unborn children by putting these suggestions into practice, which will eventually improve maternal health and well-being in Nigerian society.