Abstract
BackgroundMost neonatal, infant, and child deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where incidence of intimate partner violence (IPV) is highest in the world. Despite these facts, research regarding whether the two are associated is limited. The main objective was to examine associations between IPV amongst East African women and risk of death among their neonates, infants, and children, as well as related variables.MethodsAnalysis was conducted on data drawn from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted by ICF Macro/MEASURE DHS in five East African countries: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The analytical sample included 11,512 women of reproductive age (15–49 years). The outcome variables, described by proportions and frequencies, were the presence or absence of neonatal, infant, and under-five mortality. Our variable of interest, intimate partner violence, was a composite variable of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; chi-square tests were used to analyze its relationship with categorical variables. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were also used in linking sexual autonomy to independent variables.ResultsChildren born to women who experienced IPV were significantly more likely to die as newborns (aOR = 1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4–2.2) and infants (aOR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.6–2.2), and they were more likely to die by the age of five (aOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.01–1.55). Socioeconomic indicators including area of residence, wealth index, age of mother/husband, religion, level of education, employment status, and mass media usage were also significantly associated with IPV. After regression modelling, mothers who were currently using contraceptives were determined less likely to have their children die as newborns (aOR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–0-7), as infants (aOR = 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3–06), and by age five (aOR = 0.4, 95% CI: 02–0.6).ConclusionUnderstanding IPV as a risk indicator for neonatal, infant, and child deaths can help in determining appropriate interventions. IPV against women should be considered an urgent priority within programs and policies aimed at maximizing survival of infants and children in East Africa and the wellbeing and safety of their mothers.
Highlights
Most neonatal, infant, and child deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where incidence of intimate partner violence (IPV) is highest in the world
Our results indicate that the birth weight of neonates, infants, and children under five was a significant factor in child mortality – especially considering that small or very small babies had higher mortality rates (NMR: 4.8 vs. 2.1; Infant mortality rate (IMR): 6.4 vs. 3.4; Under-five mortality rate (UMR): 7.6 vs. 4.4)
The rates of neonatal mortality were higher for babies delivered by Caesarean section (NMR: 3.7 vs. 2.5), and the estimated infant and under five rates for Caesarean babies were higher but within confidence intervals of the non-Caesarean delivery estimates
Summary
Infant, and child deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where incidence of intimate partner violence (IPV) is highest in the world. Despite these facts, research regarding whether the two are associated is limited. Intimate partner violence (IPV), which includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse as well as controlling behaviors perpetrated by an intimate partner, is experienced by women globally within every culture, race, ethnicity, and throughout every socioeconomic class [2]. A WHO multi-country study on women’s health and domestic violence against women showed that among 24,000 women, a significant number of them experienced IPV – both physical and/or sexual - from their partners. IPV can hinder the health and wellbeing of children and infants within the family [5, 6]
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