Association of Intimate Partner Violence with Health-related Quality of Life and Psychiatric Morbidity among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinics in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Northwest Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health issue, with high rates in Nigeria. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, but region-specific data from Northern Nigeria are scarce. Objective: This study assessed IPV prevalence and its association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychiatric morbidity among pregnant women in Zaria, Northwest Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 500 pregnant women from five health facilities used multistage sampling. Data were collected using the revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2), World Health Organization Quality of Life Instrument-BREF, Drug Use Disorders Identification Test, and the Mini-international neuropsychiatric interview. Analysis involved Chi-square tests and multivariate logistic regression. Results: IPV prevalence was high at 59%, with sexual coercion (52%) and physical assault (32%) being the most common forms. Poor HRQoL was observed in 62% of respondents, especially in the psychological (64%) and social (68%) domains. Psychiatric morbidity was prevalent: depression (45%), anxiety (36%), posttraumatic stress disorder (22%), suicidality (18%), and substance abuse (15%). IPV was significantly associated with poor HRQoL and all forms of psychiatric morbidity ( P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed IPV (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.32) and partner substance abuse (AOR = 4.82) as strong independent predictors of poor HRQoL and psychiatric morbidity. Low education (AOR = 3.10), polygamy (AOR = 2.41), and childhood exposure to domestic violence (AOR = 2.91) were also significant predictors. Conclusion: IPV is highly prevalent among pregnant women in Zaria and is strongly associated with impaired mental health and quality of life. Integrating routine IPV and mental health screening into antenatal care is urgently needed.