Empirical Investigation of the Prevalence and Determinants of Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy in Rivers State

Intimate partner violence during pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, and its prevalence and specific risk factors in South South Nigeria require empirical characterisation to inform clinical screening and community intervention. This study empirically investigated the prevalence and determinants of intimate partner violence during pregnancy among women attending antenatal care in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted at three tertiary and two secondary public hospitals, enrolling 420 pregnant women consecutively at antenatal clinic. IPV was assessed using the WHO multicountry domestic violence questionnaire, measuring physical, sexual, and psychological violence during the current pregnancy. Potential determinants assessed included partner alcohol use, socioeconomic status, previous IPV history, social support, and maternal and partner educational attainment. Logistic regression was applied. Results showed a current pregnancy IPV prevalence of 34.3 percent (psychological 27.6 percent, physical 19.5 percent, sexual 14.8 percent). Partner alcohol use was the strongest predictor (OR 5.1; p < 0.001), followed by previous IPV history (OR 4.3; p < 0.001), low household income (OR 2.7; p < 0.001), and low social support (OR 2.4; p < 0.001). IPV-affected women had significantly higher rates of threatened miscarriage, preterm labour, and low birth weight. The study provides empirical IPV-in-pregnancy prevalence data for Rivers State and recommends routine IPV screening at ANC, healthcare worker training, and referral pathways to gender-based violence support services. Keywords: intimate partner violence, pregnancy, determinants, Rivers State, South South Nigeria