Association between socioeconomic factors, adverse childhood experiences, and intimate partner violence among infertile women in South Nigeria

Authors

  • John Dickson Hezekiah Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria
  • Ngeri Bapakaye Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria
  • Sapira-Ordu Lessi Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria
  • John Affiong Nkeek-Owaji Dickson Department of Family Medicine, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
  • Mba Alphaeus Gogo Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria
  • Awoye-Godspower Hyness Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, River State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20250850

Keywords:

Infertility, Socio-economic status, Adverse childhood experiences, Intimate partner violence, Reproductive health, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Infertility is a global reproductive health issue with medical, psychological, and socio-economic consequences. In low- and middle-income countries, it is highly stigmatized, disproportionately affecting women. Socio-economic status, adverse childhood experiences, and intimate partner violence are emerging contributors to infertility and its psychosocial burden. This study examines the relationship between socio-economic factors, adverse childhood experiences, and intimate partner violence among infertile women in Nigeria, assessing prevalence and patterns of violence.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 401 infertile women at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Port Harcourt, between November 2024 to February 2025 using structured questionnaires to collect data on socio-demographics, childhood adversity, and intimate partner violence. Multivariate analysis of variance and descriptive statistics were used for analysis.

Results: Intimate partner violence was highly prevalent, with emotional abuse (72.8%) and physical abuse (65.3%) most common. Socio-economic status did not significantly affect overall violence risk, but low-income women were more likely to experience physical abuse (p=0.001). Adverse childhood experiences were strongly linked to emotional (p=0.000) and physical abuse (p=0.000). The combined effect of socio-economic status and adverse childhood experiences significantly increased emotional abuse and harassment (p=0.023, p=0.002).

Conclusions: Infertile women in Nigeria experience a high burden of intimate partner violence, influenced by socio-economic disparities and childhood adversities. Addressing these factors through screening, trauma-informed care, and economic empowerment is essential for improving reproductive health outcomes.

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References

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Published

2025-03-27

How to Cite

Hezekiah, J. D., Bapakaye, N., Lessi, S.-O., Dickson, J. A. N.-O., Gogo, M. A., & Hyness, A.-G. (2025). Association between socioeconomic factors, adverse childhood experiences, and intimate partner violence among infertile women in South Nigeria. International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology, 14(4), 1098–1106. https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-1770.ijrcog20250850

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Original Research Articles