Ever-married Women Research Articles

A Descriptive Study of Different Methods of Cervical Cancer Screening among Ever-Married Women in 35-Year and 45-Year Cohorts in Kalutara District, Sri Lanka.

Screening for cervical cancer in Sri Lankan females with Pap smears (conventional cytology) has shown no marked reduction in cervical cancer incidence over the past two decades. The study aims to compare the efficacy of Pap smear, with other screening tools such as Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) and Human Papilloma Virus/deoxyribonucleic acid (HPV/DNA) (using cobas 4800) in detection of underlying cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical cancer among 35 and 45 year old ever married women in Kalutara districtin Sri Lanka. Women from 35-year cohort and 45-year cohort were selected from all Public Health Midwife areas (n=413) in Kalutara district by random sampling. Pap smear, LBC, and HPV/DNA specimen were collected s from women who attended the Well Woman Clinics (WWC) . Women with positive results from any method were confirmed by colposcopy. Results: Of the, 510 and 502 women in the 35-year cohort and 45-year cohort, respectively, included in the analysis, nine women among 35-year cohort (1.8%) and 7 women among 45-year cohort (1.4%) had cytological abnormality (positive results) with Pap smears. Thirteen women among 35-year cohort (2.5%) and 10 women among 45-year cohort (2%) age groups had cytological abnormality (positive results) with Liquid Based Cytology reports. Total of 32 women among 35-year cohort (6.2%) and 24 women among 45-year cohort (4.8%) were positive for HPV/DNA test. Of the women tested positive on screening, colposcopy revealed that HPV/DNA method was superior to Pap and LBC for detecting CIN while the results of latter two were comparable. The CIN detection rate by colposcopy was high with HPV/DNA screening with cobas 4800, whereas the detection rate by LBC was insignificantly higher than Pap smears.

Magnitude of Spousal Violence and Associated Factors among Midlife Women in Ethiopia.

Intimate partner violence is the most common form of gender-based violence and has enormous maternal health consequences. There is limited evidence concerning the magnitude and determinants of intimate partner violence amongst midlife women. Thus, this study aimed to determine the extent of and the factors contributing to spousal violence amongst midlife Ethiopian women. The 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) data were examined, and a sample of 1628 ever-married midlife women was included. The analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the determinants of intimate partner violence. All statistical significance was declared at p value < 0.05. The prevalence of spousal violence among midlife women in Ethiopia was 31.8%. Age of women, divorced, and working status were significantly associated with spousal violence. The likelihood of spousal violence is increase among midlife women who had no formal education, less decision-making power in household, and had partner who had drinking habit. This study showed that nearly one-thirds of midlife Ethiopian women have experienced spousal violence in their lifetime. Empowering midlife women by giving them decision-making tools and educating them to deal with, and prevent spousal violence may be effective strategies in reducing this problem.

Sociodemographic Predictors of Initiating Antenatal Care Visits by Pregnant Women During First Trimester of Pregnancy: Findings from the Afghanistan Health Survey 2018.

Initiating antenatal care (ANC) visits by pregnant women during first trimester, known as timely initiation of ANC visits, is crucial for wellbeing of mothers and their unborn babies. We examined whether sociodemographic characteristics of pregnant women predict timely initiation of ANC visits. Data collected for the Afghanistan Health Survey 2018 (AHS 2018) were analyzed. A binary outcome variable was created as women with ANC visits in 0-3 months (first trimester) vs women with ANC visits in ≥4 months of pregnancy. A multivariable generalized linear model was employed. A total of 6862 ever-married women, aged 14-49 years, with a history of pregnancy, including current pregnancy, were included. The prevalence of timely initiation of ANC visits was 55.8%. The likelihood (OR = odds ratio) of timely initiation of ANC visits was higher in women aged 30-39 years [OR 1.12 (95% CI: 1.00-1.25)], in women who could read and write [OR 1.12 (95% CI: 0.99-1.21)], in women who used public primary care facilities [OR 1.14 (95% CI: 1.01-1.28)], in women who received consultation on ANC from a doctor or midwife [OR 1.22 (95% CI: 0.72-2.08), OR 1.13 (95% CI: 0.67-1.92)] respectively, in women at fourth and highest quintiles of wealth status [OR 1.24 (95% CI: 1.04-1.48), OR 1.14 (95% CI: 0.92-1.40)] respectively, in women who intended to become pregnant [OR 1.56 (95% CI: 1.35-1.81)], in women who used the internet [OR 1.53 (95% CI: 1.13-2.06)], and in women who listened to radio [OR 1.16 (95% CI: 1.03-1.30)]. However, the likelihood was lower in women who had given birth at least twice [OR 0.67 (95% CI: 0.50-0.89)], and in women who lived in rural areas [OR 0.87 (95% CI: 0.75-1.00)]. To promote timely initiation of ANC visits, healthcare interventions to increase availability of midwives and doctors, and improve accessibility to primary care clinics, especially in rural areas, need to be implemented.

Indirect Estimation of the Timing of First Union Dissolution With Incomplete Marriage Histories

The lack of nationally representative data with detailed marriage histories in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) impedes a comprehensive understanding of essential aspects of union dissolution, such as the timing of first union dissolution, in these countries. We propose a method for estimating quantum-adjusted measures of the timing of first union dissolution from incomplete marriage histories. This method, indirect life table of first union dissolution (ILTUD), estimates the first union survival function from a simple tabulation of ever-married women by duration since first union, classified by union dissolution status (intact vs. dissolved first union). It then uses the relationships between life table functions to generate the distribution of marriages ending each year (θt) for a given marriage cohort. Using this distribution, ILTUD generates quantum-adjusted first union survival rates from which the percentiles of first union dissolution are calculated. ILTUD estimates are consistent with estimates produced using traditional statistical methods, such as the Kaplan–Meier estimator. In addition, ILTUD is simple to implement and has minimal data requirements, which are available in most nationally representative surveys. Thus, the ILTUD method has the potential to broaden our understanding of union dissolution dynamics in LMICs.

Frequency Of Unnecessary Caesarean Section In Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital

The unnecessary caesarean section is common now a day. It is done due to many reasons with absolute indication, relative indication and no indication. It is possible to predict that the Sustainable Development Goals may be hampered by the overuse, unsafe provision, and unmet need of CS. All health systems must ensure that all women have timely access to caesarean sections when necessary because they are absolutely necessary to save lives in cases where vaginal deliveries would be dangerous. The study's design was cross-sectional descriptive. From October 2020 until January 2021, it was carried out. In all, 376 questionnaires were completed using secondary data from patient records in the gynecology record room of the Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital (TCTH) Lahore. The research is based on data on the most recent birth of ever-married women between the ages of 15 and 45 who have since given birth. study findings have revealed the absolute indications, relative indications and no indication. 48.2% women had absolute indications of cesarean section, 23.3% had relative indication and 28.4% cesarean section done without indications. Moreover, it also shed light on the pros and cons of unnecessary cesarean.

Saudi Arabia's Maternal and Child Health Scenario Interpreted.

Countries in the Arabian Gulf, especially Saudi Arabia, deserve special attention due to the scarcity of information researched and discussed on Maternal and Child Health (MCH). This report focuses on trends in women of reproductive age, children ever born, live births, child mortality, contraception, age at marriage, and fertility rates. Data from various censuses conducted from 1992 to 2010 and demographic surveys conducted from 2000 to 2017 were used in this analysis. Over time period, the female population increased in Saudi Arabia. However, the proportion of children, ever-married women, children ever-born, and live births decreased as did child mortality. These changes in maternal and child health dimensions are owing to reforms in the health sector, including health infrastructure, in accordance with the achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A comparatively higher quality of MCH was reported. However, demands and challenges of obstetric, gynecologic, and pediatric care are increasing, thus, strengthening and streamlining in accordance with fertility trends, marital patterns, and child health care is essential, for which primary data collection at regular intervals is a prerequisite.

Clinical Risk Factors affecting the Pregnancy Outcome using Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey (PMMS) 2019

Background: South Asia is the world's most populous region, and it also has the highest rate of pregnancy loss. It is necessary to understand the risk factors for pregnancy loss in South Asian countries like Pakistan for reducing the global burden of pregnancy loss. Aim: To determine the potential clinical factors affecting pregnancy outcomes of Pakistani women aged 15-49 years during 2016-2019. Study design: This study was conducted using Pakistan Maternal Mortality Survey (PMMS 2019) during 2020-2021. All eligible ever-married women (n=7096) aged 15-49 were selected for this study. In this study, the clinical risk factors considered are fever, unconsciousness, high blood pressure, diabetes, vaginal bleeding, problems associated with the placenta, problems associated with the position of the baby, and preeclampsia. The response variable was pregnancy outcome comprising four categories that are live-birth, stillbirth, miscarriage, and abortion. A multinomial logistic regression model was applied to test the relationship between the dependent variable and each of the eight risk factors. Results: Multinomial logistic regression model identified that fever (OR=0.723), vaginal bleeding(OR=1.614), high blood pressure (OR=1.473), and problems associated with the position of the baby (OR=0.396)are significantly associated with a stillbirth at a 10% level of significance. Additionally, unconsciousness (OR=1.019) appears as a potential risk factor for abortion. Practical implication: Understanding the most significant risk factors that contribute to negative pregnancy outcomes, it can prioritize resources to improve maternal health. Also, assistance to healthcare providers and policymakers in making informed decisions regarding maternal health in Pakistan can be provided. Conclusion: Fever, vaginal bleeding, high blood pressure, problems associated with the position of the baby are significant risk factors of stillbirth. However, unconsciousness identified a risk factor of abortion. It is concluded that in Pakistan pregnancy loss can be reduced by controlling the prevalence of diseases during pregnancy. Keywords: Abortion, Clinical risk factors, Miscarriage, Multinomial logistic model, Pregnancy loss, Stillbirth

Association Between Women’s Empowerment and Unmet Family Planning Needs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries in Southeast Asia: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study examined the associations between women’s empowerment and unmet family planning needs in five low- and middle- income countries in Southeast Asia using demographic and health survey data. The sample of ever-married women aged 15 to 49 years across five Southeast Asian countries (Cambodia [n = 10,231], Indonesia [n = 30,965], Myanmar [n = 6,644], the Philippines [n = 13,512], and Timor-Leste [n = 5,750]) were included in this study. We conducted a multiple logistic regression to analyze the associations between the four women’s empowerment indicators and unmet needs. The findings showed positive associations between women’s medium level of agreement to wife-beating, women’s decision-making, level of knowledge, and unmet needs. Both negative and positive associations were reported for labor force participation and unmet needs. Finally, improving women’s decision-making and workplace conditions and encouraging women’s labor force participation can reduce unmet needs for family planning.

Factors that determine women's autonomy to make decisions about sexual and reproductive health and rights in Nepal: A cross-sectional study.

Women's autonomy on sexual and reproductive health issues is critical to women's health and well-being. Women have the right to decide on their fertility and sexuality, be free from coercion and violence, and achieve well-being. This study has identified women's autonomy regarding decision and exercise of their sexual reproductive health and rights and its association with determining factors in Nepal. Descriptive and analytical statistics such as bivariate and multivariate regression analysis were performed using data from Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2016. The survey collected data from 12,862 women of reproductive age groups i.e. 15-49 years. However, for this study, we analyzed the data of only ever-married women and they were 9,875 in total. The analysis showed that women's autonomy in exercising their sexual reproductive health rights is highly associated with media exposure after controlling demographic variables. The frequency of exposure to media (i. less than a week: adjusted odds ratio (AOR):1.383; confidence interval (CI):1.145-1.670, p<0.001, ii. at least once a week: AOR:1.657; CI:1.359-2.021, p<0.001) is positively associated with women's autonomy. Furthermore, factors like women from Janajati (AOR:1.298; CI:1.071-1.576, p<0.01) and other Terai ethnic groups (AOR:1.471; CI:1.160-1.866, p<0.01), higher education attainment (AOR:1.482; CI:1.164-1.888, p<0.01), richest wealth quintile (AOR:1.527; CI:1.151-2.026, p<0.01), paid work (AOR:1.277; CI:1.045-1.561, p<0.05) and living in Lumbini Province (AOR:0.622; CI:0.486-0.797, p<0.001) and Sudur Paschim Province (AOR:0.723; CI:0.554-0.944, p<0.05) were found to be significantly associated with women's autonomy in sexual and reproductive health decision making. Similarly, women's autonomy is also increased with their increased age. In conclusion, women's exposure to media, improved socio-economic status and increased age influence their autonomy to make decisions about sexual and reproductive health rights in Nepal. Therefore, this study underscores the need to address socio-economic barriers and improve women's exposure to the media to enhance their autonomy further.

Cluster and regional level variation of hemoglobin concentration of ever-married women in Bangladesh: a linear mixed model approach

Background: The hemoglobin protein plays an essential role in health and development in the human body. Women with inadequate Hb levels develop anemia. In light of the regional heterogeneity in Bangladesh, the aim of this study is to identify the risk factors associated with low Hb concentration in ever-married women. Methods: The study extracted data from the Bangladesh Demographic Health Surveys (BDHS) conducted in 2011. Since the hemoglobin level was not measured in BDHS 2014 and BDHS 2017, the study used BDHS 2011. A total of 5,699 ever-married women aged (15-49) years were used in the study. Both descriptive and inferential statistics applied to answer the research questions. Multilevel linear mixed effect modelling was applied to identify the risk factors of hemoglobin level at different hierarchical levels simultaneously and the different level variations were observed. Results: The average age of women was 31 years with standard deviation of 9.33 years. The mean (SD) of hemoglobin level of women was 120.95 (81) g/L. The highest mean (SD) level of hemoglobin was found in the Khulna 122.48 (13.26) g/L and the lowest in the Barisal 119.61 (13.21) g/L. The multilevel model resulted that using the contraceptive method, pregnant women, married women, breastfeeding mother, age of mother, body mass index, and total children ever born had significant effect on the low hemoglobin level. Conclusion: Analyzing the individual, cluster, and regional influence, the current study determined the most relevant socioeconomic, demographic, and environmental risk factors for low hemoglobin levels of women in Bangladesh.

The association of child marriage with morbidities and mortality among children under 5 years in Afghanistan: findings from a national survey

BackgroundThere is still a gap in knowledge of the impact that child marriage could have on the mortality and morbidity of children in Afghanistan. This study used the data from the latest Afghanistan demographic health survey conducted in 2015 (ADHS) to address this gap and advance the current knowledge.MethodsA secondary analysis of the 2015 ADHS, including the births in the past 5 years to ever-married women aged 15–24 years old, was carried out. Logistic regression analyses were employed to examine the association of child marriage (< 18y) with morbidities (diarrhea, acute respiratory infection, and fever in the last 2 weeks), mortality (neonatal, infant, child), and size at birth among the children under 5 born to women aged 15–24 years, before and after adjusting for the effect of sociodemographic and structural inequalities.ResultsApproximately two-thirds of births in the past 5 years belong to 15–24 years old mothers who married at ages < 18. The majority of them were born to mothers residing in rural areas (75.67%) with no education (51.68%) from poor households (39.39%). As compared to the births to women married at ages ≥ 18, there was a significantly higher likelihood of neonatal mortality among births to women married at ages < 18 (crude OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.52–3.49 & adjusted OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.25–3.01) and higher infant mortality among the births to the women married at ages ≤ 14y (crude OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.06–3.53). However, it disappeared for neonatal mortality after adjustment for adequacy of antenatal care (ANC) and infant mortality after adjustment for sociodemographic inequalities.ConclusionAlthough the births to women married as a child (< 18) were more likely to die at an early age, this association disappeared after adjustment for the adequacy of ANC. Given the unavoidable practice of child marriage in Afghanistan, this finding emphasizes the importance of providing adequate ANC for young brides to prevent child mortality. In addition, strong global advocacy is required to empower and support young Afghan women in negotiating their reproductive and maternity rights with their partners by reducing social and gender-based inequalities.

The Association of Family Planning Methods With the Odds of Divorce Among Women in the 2015–2019 National Survey of Family Growth

ABSTRACT We sought to determine the influence of the most common methods of contraception and natural methods of family planning (NFP) on the odds of divorce among women of reproductive age. The influence of use of family planning methods and other factors on risk of divorce was examined in 5,403 ever-married women from the National Survey of Family Growth (2015–2019). Chi-square and relative risk odds ratios (ORs) of divorce were calculated for the family planning predictor variables (ever-use vs. never-use). Logistic regression analysis examined the influence of family planning methods relative to other known influencers of divorce (income, education level, etc.). Chi-square analysis revealed significant (p < .01–p < .001) ORs for ever-use of the hormonal pill (OR = 1.54), female and male sterilization (ORs = 1.78 and 2.02, respectively), male condoms (OR = 1.67), and natural methods of family planning (OR = 0.66, 0.53). Logistic regression indicated ever-use of contraception was associated with increased odds of divorce, from 30% to 200%, whereas ever-use of NFP was associated with 31% lower odds. Poverty level and education levels did not meaningfully influence divorce odds. In conclusion, ever-married women who have ever used NFP have lower odds of divorce, whereas those who have ever used most the common contraceptives have higher odds of divorce. Further research is needed to understand how and why choices in family planning affect stability of marriage.

Prevalence, Correlates, and Trends of Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in Gambia: Results From 2 National Cross-Sectional Health Surveys.

No country is immune from intimate partner violence (IPV). The objectives of this study were to analyze the prevalence, correlates and trends of this global public health menace perpetrated by men against women using the most recent nationally representative Gambia Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) 2019-20; with analysis of levels and trends of IPV perpetrated by current/former husbands/partners from ever-married women, from GDHS conducted in 2013, at the 8 subnational regions. IPV association with 12 covariates entailing socio-demographic, experiential and attitudinal characteristics was analyzed in bivariate and multivariable models, using simple and multiple logistic regression. Physical, emotional, and sexual IPV was reported by 29.09%, 24.03%, and 5.52% respectively. While prevalence of having experienced any type of IPV was39.23%. Statistically significant association of IPV with various covariates computed in univariate analysis were used in the multivariable logistic regression model. Women's and husband's educational attainment, wealth status, having witnessed father physically beat mother, and marital control exhibited by the husband were statistically significantly associated with IPV, in the final model. Physical, emotional, and sexual IPV increased from 2023 to 2019-20 in all 8 regions, with the exception of sexual IPV in Kanifing region. However, not all these changes were not statistically significant. Physical and sexual IPV prevalence in Gambia was slightly lower compared with the African region. The disturbing finding of increase in all 3 types of violence in all regions-with one exception-paints a dire scenario that augurs the imperative of women empowerment and revisiting of cultural norms for protecting women.

Determinants of female health workers’ attitude toward spouses’ use of vasectomy for family planning

Background: Vasectomy is an effective and safe surgical method of male contraception. It is simpler than female tubal ligation and has fewer complications. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of selected demographic characteristics on female health workers’ attitudes to spouses’ use of vasectomy for birth controlMaterials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of female health workers in two tertiary health institutions in Enugu, Southeast Nigeria. Data were collected using a pretested structured self-administered questionnaire. Data were collected on sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes toward vasectomy. Results: Two hundred and ninety female health workers completed the questionnaire. The mean age of participants was 32.26 ± 9.39 years. Approximately 66.6% of the women were less than 35 years and 53.1% were married. Only 21.0% of the respondents would encourage their spouses or partners to undergo vasectomy after they have had their desired number of children. Half of the women (50.0%) would prefer to have their tubes tied (tubal ligation) and 63.1% had never discussed vasectomy with their spouses or partners. Younger women (<35 years) were significantly more likely to encourage their spouses/partners to have a vasectomy (odds ratio [OR] 2.1289; P = 0.0231). However, ever-married women (OR 0.1296; P = 0.0000) and women who have had children (OR 0.1767; P = 0.0000) were significantly less likely to do the same. Nurses were more likely to encourage their spouses to undertake vasectomy compared to doctors (OR 2.4750; P = 0.0041). Conclusion: Vasectomy is not widely accepted among our female health workers; only a fifth of them would encourage their spouses/partners to have a vasectomy.

Female Employment and Fertility: Further Investigation of an Ambivalent Association

"This study of the relationship between female employment and fertility is based on a survey of 1,000 ever-married women in Karachi, [Pakistan]. A distinct pattern of differentials in actual performance and in desired fertility is observed across working and non-working women.... Women in higher status occupations marry much later than and have half the completed family size of those women working in lower status occupations. The fertility of non-working women lies somewhere in between these two groups. Some reasons for the fertility differentials found are identified in variations in point of entry into the labour force relative to the stage in child-bearing, in expectations from sons in old age support, and in relative facility in seeking means of fertility control. Working women in higher status occupations also have better chances of their children surviving, whereas women in lower status occupations suffer a greater toll of child deaths."

Prevalence, pattern, and predictors of formal help-seeking for intimate partner violence against women: findings from India’s cross-sectional National Family Health Surveys-3 (2005–2006) and 4 (2015–2016)

BackgroundHelp-seeking for intimate partner violence (IPV) requires women to disclose their experiences. For policymakers, low help-seeking threatens the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of gender equality, good health, and wellbeing. In India, the Prevention of Domestic Violence Against Women Act (PWDVA 2005) was implemented in 2006. Using two rounds of the India National Family Health Survey (NFHS), one before and one after implementation, we examined the prevalence, pattern, and sociodemographic and socioeconomic factors associated with formal help-seeking for IPV.MethodsWe used univariable and multivariable logistic regression models to assess the prevalence of help-seeking for IPV in the past 12 months and examined associations with different forms of IPV and sociodemographic factors.ResultsThe proportion of ever-married women aged 15–49 years who reported physical, sexual, or emotional IPV in the last 12 months increased from 23% in NFHS-3 (2005–2006) to 25% in NFHS-4 (2015–2016). In both surveys, few women sought help. Informal sources of help were preferred over formal sources, which declined from NFHS-3 to NFHS-4 (any help: 24.5 to 13.8%; informal help: 24.1 to 13.4%; and formal help: 1.2 to 1.1%). Women from lower castes and women with children were less likely to seek formal help. Over the two surveys, the odds of formal help-seeking for sexual IPV in the past 12 months remained similar (NFHS-3 aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4, 2.5. NFHS-4 aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4, 2.6). The odds were slightly higher for emotional IPV (NFHS-3 aOR 2.5, 95% CI 1.8, 3.3. NFHS-4 aOR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0, 3.7) and spousal control (NFHS-3 aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.4, 3.0. NFHS-4 aOR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.4, 3.7).ConclusionsLow disclosure and help-seeking impact a country’s social, cultural, economic, and political progress. The PWDVA did not appear to result in increases in help-seeking among women in India who experienced IPV. Further work is needed to understand barriers to help-seeking in the presence of public policy efforts to support women affected by IPV. These may include poor implementation and enforcement of Policy, as well as normalization and justification of gender-based violence. We recommend a deeper understanding of help-seeking across all systems to establish a barometer of help-seeking. An increase in formal or informal help-seeking is an indicator of reduced tolerance of IPV and the enabling environment of the PWDVA 2005 for tracking progress toward the SDGs of gender equality and the eradication of all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination.

Association of alcohol consumption with abortion among ever-married reproductive age women in Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis.

A miscarriage or a spontaneous loss of a pregnancy that occurs before the 20th week is an abortion. Even though numerous recommendations state that pregnant women should abstain from alcohol at all stages of pregnancy, alcohol intake among pregnant women is common. However, there are few papers addressing the effect of alcohol use on miscarriage using nationally representative data. Moreover, the association of alcohol use with abortion and its mechanisms is not well studied in the Ethiopian region. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to estimate the association of alcohol use with abortion rates among reproductive age (15-49) women in Ethiopia. Using the most recent findings of the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS), secondary data analysis was performed among pregnant women in Ethiopia. A total of 11,396 women between the ages of 15 and 49 years who were of reproductive age were included in the research. To characterize the study population, descriptive statistics were used. The variability was considered using the multilevel binary logistic regression model. A multilevel binary logistic model was used to determine the effect of alcohol intake on abortion while controlling for potential confounders. In the multivariable analysis, variables with a P-value of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant for the response variable. The proportion of women who had an abortion was 10.46% with a 95% CI of 9.92-11.03. In the final model of the multilevel analysis, age group [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 6.13; 95% CI: 3.86-9.73], education level (AOR = 1.29; 95 and CI: 1.10-1.51), alcohol consumption (AOR = 1.38; 95% CI: 1.18-1.61), age at first sex (AOR = 1.20; 95% CI: 1.03-1.39), media exposure (AOR = 1.28, CI: 1.10-1.48), contraceptive use (AOR = 1.34, CI: 1.16-1.56), and occupation of respondent (AOR = 1.21, CI: 1.06-1.38) were identified to be significant determinants of abortion in Ethiopia. Sexual and reproductive health education and family planning programs should target older women in the reproductive age group, women with primary educational status, working women, and those who initiated sexual intercourse at a younger age considering it could reduce abortion and unintended pregnancy. Furthermore, as part of sexual and reproductive health education, the adverse effect of alcohol consumption on abortion should be emphasized.

Do electronic and economic empowerment protect women from intimate partner violence (IPV) in India?

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health problem. Electronic empowerment has several positive impacts on health. No study has examined whether electronic empowerment prevents intimate partner violence. Economic empowerment has positive and negative effects on IPV victimization. The current study was conducted to investigate whether economic and electronic empowerment of women act as protective factors against IPV in India. A national representative sample of 66,013 ever-married women from 36 member states and union territories of India has been used from the National Family Health Survey 2015 to 2016. Emotional, physical and sexual violence against women by husbands were target variables. We used bivariate and multivariate analyses. The prevalence of emotional violence was 13%, physical violence was 28% and sexual violence was 7%. IPV against women was as follows: The prevalence was higher among women living in rural areas, belonging to Hindu religion and those belonging to Scheduled Castes. Higher education and higher socio-economic status were found to be protective factors against IPV. The prevalence of IPV was higher among the working women, among those having knowledge of business loans for women and the recipients of such business loans. Exposure to media was found to reduce IPV. The women who used mobile phones and SMS facility experienced less violence. Economic independence of women was found to be a risk factor for IPV in India, whereas electronic empowerment was a protective factor. In the Indian context, policymakers should make use of mobile phones and support SMS use in the IPV awareness programs. Women empowerment, combined with gender equity, can reduce the prevalence of violence against women.

Intimate Partner Violence and Help-Seeking Behaviour in India

The present contribution makes the fifteenth part of the Social Change Indicators series. We have deliberated on several social and economic issues in the previous editions and the topics included vulnerable households across social classes, poverty and migration, living conditions, social protection networks, displacement of rural labour, health and morbidity conditions for older adults, and women’s time-use patterns. In this part, we examine intimate partner (or spousal) violence and help-seeking behaviour across the states of India. We provide state ranking on spousal violence based on the percentage of ever-married women aged 18–49, who have experienced emotional, physical or sexual violence. Subsequently, we provide statistics on attitudes towards wife-beating, frequencies of spousal violence by several background characteristics, and also the help-seeking responses of women who have experienced physical or sexual violence.

Correlates and reproductive consequences of consanguinity in six Egyptian governorates.

This study aimed to explore some correlates and potential reproductive consequences of consanguinity. We analysed data for 8515 ever-married women aged 15-49 derived from a household survey conducted in 2017 in six governorates. The prevalence of consanguineous marriage was 35.9%. The odds (OR (95%CI)) of consanguinity were higher in rural southern governorates (3.68 (3.03-4.46)), with less than secondary education (1.55 (1.42-1.7)), with unemployment (1.74(1.48-2.04)) and in the lowest wealth quintile (3.09 (2.66-3.6)). After adjusting for residence, education, wealth, age at marriage and the number of children; the OR (95%CI) for spontaneous abortion and still births with consanguinity were 1.31 (1.09-1.59) and 1.63 (1.18-2.25) respectively. Consanguinity remains highly prevalent in Egypt especially in rural southern governorates. Women empowerment in terms of attaining higher education and employment may reduce the problem. Consanguinity appears to be associated with adverse reproductive outcomes including spontaneous abortion and still birth.