Prevalence and correlates of intimate partner violence against HIV-seropositive pregnant women in a Nigerian population

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and correlates of intimate partner violence among HIV-positive pregnant Nigerian women.

Design: Cross-sectional study using an anonymous semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire.

Setting: The antenatal clinic at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, from June 2008 to December 2009.

Population: 305 HIV-positive women receiving antenatal care.

Methods: An anonymous semi-structured World Health Organization modified questionnaire that elicited information on the experiences of intimate partner violence, was administered to the women by trained female interviewers.

Main outcome measures: Prevalence, pattern and risk factors associated with experiencing intimate partner violence.

Results: The prevalence of intimate partner violence among the women was 32.5%, with psychological violence being the most common form of violence reported (27.5%) and physical violence the least reported (5.9%). Identified risk factors for experiencing violence were multiparity (Odds ratio 9.4; CI 1.23-71.33), respondents with an HIV-positive child (Odds ratio 9.2; CI 4.53-18.84), experience of violence before they were diagnosed HIV-positive (Odds ratio 44.4; 10.33-190.42) and women with partners without post-secondary education (Odds ratio 2.3; CI 1.40-3.91).

Conclusion: Intimate partner violence is a prevalent public health problem among HIV-infected pregnant women in our community and it may hinder efforts to scale up prevention of mother-child transmission programs, especially in developing countries. Screening for intimate partner violence to identify abused women should be incorporated into these programs to offer these women optimal care.