DISCLOSURE AND COPING WITH INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE IN PREGNANCY: A QUANDARY.

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) in pregnancy is a very serious and ubiquitous problem, with severe consequences for both the mother and the unborn child. Understanding the dynamics of disclosure and coping strategies employed by pregnant women facing IPV is crucial for developing effective interventions and facilitating positive maternal and foetal outcomes.

Aim: The study investigated the disclosure pattern and coping strategies of Antenatal attendees who experienced intimate partner violence.

Methods: The study was descriptive cross-sectional with indepth interviews (IDIs) conducted among 400 respondents at the Ante-Natal clinics of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital.

Results: The overall prevalence of IPV in pregnancy was 27.3%. Among the respondents who experienced IPV, 53.4% (86) did not report it to anybody. Among those that reported, 29.3% reported to health workers, 20.0% reported to their parents/siblings 19.0% committed their spouse to God by praying; 74.3% said they are coping fine; 13.3% said they are managing to cope and 5.7% find it stressful coping with IPV. In the IDIs, 5 of the participants reported to their parents, siblings, and pastors. Three of the participants reported to in-laws. Twelve of the participants did not tell anybody but prayed to God.

Conclusion: Awareness creation, screening of pregnant women, the political will, and appropriate interventions will help in reducing the menace of IPV in pregnancy. This cannot be achieved if reporting and disclosure of IPV by victims to the appropriate venue is not instituted.