Gender based violence among pregnant women in Benin City, Edo State: Prevalence, categories, patterns and associated factors

Obi AI; Adeola VO; Eriki OJ; Imadojiemu OM; Adayonfo E; Obi JN; Obi RU

doi:10.61386/imj.v16i3.359

Authors

Obi AI University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria
Adeola VO University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Eriki OJ University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria
Imadojiemu OM University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Adayonfo E University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Obi JN Federal Neuro-Psychiathric Hospital, Nigeria
Obi RU University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v16i3.359

Keywords:

Antenatal clinic, Awareness, Benin City, Edo State, Gender based violence, pregnant women

Abstract

Context: Gender based violence (GBV) is a global public health issue common in pregnancy.

Objective: To assess GBV among pregnant women in Benin City with aim of curbing its occurrence.

Study design: A facility based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted involving consenting pregnant women.

Results: Awareness of GBV was high 462 (92.4%), with media 293 (63.4%), friends 251 (54.3%) and family members 187 (40.5%) reported as the main sources of information respectively. The overall prevalence of GBV was 288 (62.3%) while in relation to category of GBV experienced; 365 (79.0%), 286 (61.9%), 218 (47.2%) and 216 (46.8%) reported emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse and economic abuse respectively. Prevalence of GBV was significantly associated with respondent’s level of education (p=0.024) and occupational class (p=0.002). Furthermore, among respondent’s partners smoking (p < 0.001), alcohol consumption (p<0.001), keeping multiple sexual partners (p < 0.001), aggressive traits (p < 0.001), level of education (p < 0.001) and employment status (p=0.005) were significant factors exhibited by them.

Conclusion: Gender based violence was prevalent among pregnant women studied, a comprehensive strategy targeted at sensitizing pregnant women and their partners on GBV will be useful in curtailing its occurrence.