DHS Review of Effect of Domestic Violence on Contraceptive Uptake and Outcomes, Sindh, Pakistan

Violence against women is fundamental violation of human rights and has a significant public health issue. Evidence suggests women experiencing domestic violence report higher rates of reproductive health problems. Despite... [ view full abstract ]

Violence against women is fundamental violation of human rights and has a significant public health issue. Evidence suggests women experiencing domestic violence report higher rates of reproductive health problems. Despite several laws designed to protect women from domestic violence, it is an endemic problem in Pakistan. Some of the major reasons for violence are prevalent illiteracy, unemployment and poverty. Domestic violence host several reproductive health problems. Women who are physically abused are 16% more likely to have low-birth-weight baby and twice likely to have an abortion, and less able to access appropriate medical care.

Review of PDHS 2012-13: PDHS 2012-13 data was reviewed for women who have ever been pregnant and were subjected to domestic violence, in province of Sindh. The review focused relationship between domestic violence and FP adoption and its results on unintended pregnancies; which in turn may lead to either termination or low weight births.

Findings: Secondary data analysis of PDHS 2012-13 shows 23% women have ever experienced physical violence. However 5% experienced severe violence and 7% experienced violence during pregnancy. Rural women were the most (30%) who were subjected to violence as compare to small (23%) and large cities (15%). Use of contraceptive remained less (26%) in women who were subjected to violence as compare to those who were not (33%). The percentage of pregnancies was high 44% compare to 39%, similarly under weight babies born was 31% compare to 21% to women not subjected to violence.

Conclusion: Results indicate low contraceptive use among women experiencing domestic violence, as this limits control over their reproduction. It is important that service delivery should also build on mental health by establishing integrated services for incorporating issues of domestic violence into FP services. With multiple entry points within the health sector, women may seek healthcare, without necessarily disclosing violence