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

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.