Perceived Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on the Quality of Life of Pregnant Women Attending Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

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@article{1714435,
      author = {Agbetayo Kehinde Oke, Badamasi Nana-Aisha Yusuf; Adeoba Oluwanifemi Elisha, Agbetayo Christananh Juwon; Adeoba Oluwakemi Esther, Ogunjobi Ayodele Samuel; Efunniyi Hannah Ikeade, Oyedepo Kolade Emmanuel; Jaiyeola Joshua Sunday},
      title = {Perceived Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on the Quality of Life of Pregnant Women Attending Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {9},
      number = {8},
      pages = {1472-1501},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1714435.pdf},
      abstract = {Background and objectives: Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is a critical public health concern that adversely affects the physical, psychological, and social wellbeing of women, as well as pregnancy outcomes. Despite global recognition of IPV as a human rights violation and health hazard, limited research exists on its impact on quality of life among pregnant women in South-Western Nigeria. This study assessed the perceived impact of intimate partner violence on the quality of life of pregnant women attending Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed among 132 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at EKSUTH. Purposive sampling was used to select respondents. Data were collected using structured, validated questionnaires adapted from standardized instruments including the WHOQOL-BREF and IPV assessment tools. The questionnaire comprised five sections assessing socio-demographic characteristics, prevalence and nature of IPV, effects on health and well-being, social effects and coping mechanisms, and support services. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27 and presented using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, tables, charts). Hypotheses were tested using chi-square statistics at a significance level of p<0.05.

Results: The majority of respondents were aged 30–39 years (53.8%), married (92.4%), had tertiary education (52.3%), and were employed in the public sector (37.9%). Findings revealed that 56.1% of respondents reported experiencing some form of IPV during pregnancy. Emotional abuse was the most prevalent form (62.1%), followed by psychological abuse (57.6%), sexual abuse (45.5%), and physical abuse (37.9%). Among those affected, 55.3% experienced violence occasionally, while 11.4% experienced it frequently and 9.1% very frequently. IPV onset occurred before pregnancy in 54.5% of cases, during pregnancy in 25.8%, and after pregnancy began in 19.7%. IPV significantly affected physical health (59.1%) with injuries and fatigue reported, and mental health (58.3%) with anxiety and depression commonly experienced. A majority (59.8%) did not feel safe in their current relationship, and 61.4% reported that violence disrupted their ability to attend antenatal care regularly. Relationship-related stress was experienced often (31.1%) or always (28.0%) by most respondents, and 64.4% felt isolated or unsupported. IPV strained relationships with family/friends (77.3%) and affected work/income-generating activities (79.5%). Coping mechanisms included talking to family/friends (37.9%), seeking religious help (37.9%), and staying silent (24.2%). Only 43.9% had reported violence to health workers or authorities; barriers to reporting included financial dependence (38.6%), fear (25.0%), shame (25.0%), and lack of trust (11.4%). While 65.2% were aware of support services, only 40.9% had accessed them. Financial aid (37.1%) and legal aid (24.2%) were identified as most needed. Hypothesis testing revealed no significant relationship between age and quality of life (χ²=3.421, df=3, p>0.05), accepting the null hypothesis. However, a significant relationship was found between demographic profile (employment status) and experience of IPV (χ²=10.212, df=3, p<0.05), rejecting the null hypothesis.

Conclusion: Intimate partner violence is highly prevalent among pregnant women attending EKSUTH, with profound negative impacts on physical health, mental well-being, social relationships, economic stability, and overall quality of life. Emotional and psychological abuse are more common than physical violence, yet often overlooked in screening. Despite awareness of support services, utilization remains low due to financial dependence, fear, shame, and lack of trust. The findings underscore the urgent need for routine IPV screening during antenatal care, enhanced nurse-led interventions, community-based sensitization, and multidisciplinary collaboration involving healthcare providers, social workers, legal aid services, and policymakers to reduce IPV and its consequences on maternal and child health.},
      keywords = {Intimate Partner Violence; Domestic Violence; Pregnancy; Quality of Life; Maternal Health; Antenatal Care; Nigeria; Coping Strategies; Support Services},
      month = {February},
      doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I8-1714435}
  }