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A Systematic Review of African Studies on Intimate Partner Violence against Pregnant Women: Prevalence and Risk Factors

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  • Simukai Shamu
  • Naeemah Abrahams
  • Marleen Temmerman
  • Alfred Musekiwa
  • Christina Zarowsky

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is very high in Africa. However, information obtained from the increasing number of African studies on IPV among pregnant women has not been scientifically analyzed. This paper presents a systematic review summing up the evidence from African studies on IPV prevalence and risk factors among pregnant women. Methods: A key-word defined search of various electronic databases, specific journals and reference lists on IPV prevalence and risk factors during pregnancy resulted in 19 peer-reviewed journal articles which matched our inclusion criteria. Quantitative articles about pregnant women from Africa published in English between 2000 and 2010 were reviewed. At least two reviewers assessed each paper for quality and content. We conducted meta-analysis of prevalence data and reported odds ratios of risk factors. Results: The prevalence of IPV during pregnancy ranges from 2% to 57% (n = 13 studies) with meta-analysis yielding an overall prevalence of 15.23% (95% CI: 14.38 to 16.08%). After adjustment for known confounders, five studies retained significant associations between HIV and IPV during pregnancy (OR1.48–3.10). Five studies demonstrated strong evidence that a history of violence is significantly associated with IPV in pregnancy and alcohol abuse by a partner also increases a woman's chances of being abused during pregnancy (OR 2.89–11.60). Other risk factors include risky sexual behaviours, low socioeconomic status and young age. Conclusion: The prevalence of IPV among pregnant women in Africa is one of the highest reported globally. The major risk factors included HIV infection, history of violence and alcohol and drug use. This evidence points to the importance of further research to both better understand IPV during pregnancy and feed into interventions in reproductive health services to prevent and minimize the impact of such violence.

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  • Simukai Shamu & Naeemah Abrahams & Marleen Temmerman & Alfred Musekiwa & Christina Zarowsky, 2011. "A Systematic Review of African Studies on Intimate Partner Violence against Pregnant Women: Prevalence and Risk Factors," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 6(3), pages 1-9, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0017591
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0017591
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maman, S. & Mbwambo, J.K. & Hogan, N.M. & Kilonzo, G.P. & Campbell, J.C. & Weiss, E. & Sweat, M.D., 2002. "HIV-positive women report more lifetime partner-violence: Findings from a voluntary counseling and testing clinic in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 92(8), pages 1331-1337.
    2. Xu, X. & Zhu, F. & O'Campo, P. & Koenig, M.A. & Mock, V. & Campbell, J., 2005. "Prevalence of and risk factors for intimate partner violence in China," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(1), pages 78-85.
    3. Jewkes, Rachel & Abrahams, Naeema, 2002. "The epidemiology of rape and sexual coercion in South Africa: an overview," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 55(7), pages 1231-1244, October.
    4. Koenig, L.J. & Whitaker, D.J. & Royce, R.A. & Wilson, T.E. & Callahan, M.R. & Fernandez, M.I., 2002. "Violence during pregnancy among women with or at risk for HIV infection," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 92(3), pages 367-370.
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    1. Simukai Shamu & Naeemah Abrahams & Marleen Temmerman & Tamara Shefer & Christina Zarowsky, 2012. "“That Pregnancy Can Bring Noise into the Family”: Exploring Intimate Partner Sexual Violence during Pregnancy in the Context of HIV in Zimbabwe," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 7(8), pages 1-9, August.
    2. Bathsheba Mahenge & Heidi Stöckl & Abdulai Abubakari & Jessie Mbwambo & Albrecht Jahn, 2016. "Physical, Sexual, Emotional and Economic Intimate Partner Violence and Controlling Behaviors during Pregnancy and Postpartum among Women in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(10), pages 1-10, October.

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