TITLE:
Prevalence, Correlates, and Socioeconomic Predictors of Intimate Partner Violence among Pregnant Women in North-Central Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study
AUTHORS:
Paul E. Agbo, Lucky L. Changkat, Mary C. Momoh, Salihu O. Mohamed, Dogara B. Bawa, Rashida Musa, Steve C. Okoro, Adeola Olabamiji, Ene F. Agbo, Lawal A. Abdulmumuni
KEYWORDS:
Intimate Partner Violence, Pregnancy, Antenatal Care, Abuse, Predictors, Nigeria
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biosciences and Medicines,
Vol.14 No.5,
May
20,
2026
ABSTRACT: Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is a significant public health problem with adverse consequences for maternal and fetal outcomes. Understanding its magnitude and determinants is essential for effective screening and intervention within antenatal care. Objective: To determine the prevalence, forms, correlates, and predictors of IPV among pregnant women attending antenatal care at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lafia, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 381 pregnant women to determine the prevalence and correlates of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) using a structured questionnaire incorporating the Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS). IPV was defined as the occurrence of any emotional, physical, or sexual violence. Data on sociodemographic, obstetric, and household characteristics were collected alongside experiences of emotional, physical, and sexual IPV during pregnancy. Descriptive statistics summarized the data. Associations between categorical variables and IPV were assessed using chi-square tests, while Pearson correlation examined relationships among IPV types. Binary logistic regression identified independent predictors. Statistical significance was set at p Results: Among 379 respondents included in the final analysis, emotional violence was reported by 22.2%, physical violence by 16.6%, and sexual violence by 8.2%. Strong positive correlations existed among IPV types (r = 0.751 - 0.856, p Conclusion: IPV is common in this setting, with emotional abuse predominating and frequent co-occurrence of abuse types. Routine comprehensive screening and context-specific interventions that address women’s socioeconomic dynamics are recommended.