Peer-reviewed article
Prevalence of Sexual Violence and Its Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women in Arba Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Lonsako AA, Kasse T, Kebede FA, Haile A ·
Summary
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Abstract
Background Sexual violence during pregnancy is a critical global public health concern with severe consequences for maternal and neonatal outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia. Although previous studies in Ethiopia have primarily focused on general forms of violence, evidence specifically addressing sexual violence during pregnancy remains limited. Therefore, this study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of sexual violence and its associated factors among pregnant women in Arba Minch Town, Southern Ethiopia. Method A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 411 pregnant women from September 15 to October 30, 2024. Participants were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected through an interviewer-administered questionnaire, entered into EpiData Version 4.6, and exported to SPSS Version 26 for analysis. Logistic regression was performed, and variables with p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Result The prevalence of sexual violence was 17% (95% CI: 13.4-20.4). Being a housewife (AOR = 4.0; 95% CI: [1.08, 8.91]), maternal age 15-24 years (AOR = 2.3; 95% CI: [1.08, 5.28]), having a partner with no formal education (AOR = 4.2; 95% CI: [1.84, 9.58]), and partner alcohol consumption (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI: [1.41, 6.37]) were significantly associated with sexual violence. Conclusion This study reveals that sexual violence among pregnant women is significant and associated with being a housewife, aged 15-24 years, having an uneducated partner, and a partner who drinks alcohol. Interventions should target at-risk groups, including young women and housewives, address partner substance use, and promote education and awareness programs to reduce the prevalence and adverse effects of sexual violence in pregnancy.