The shadow of violence: How intimate partner violence shapes contraceptive and maternal health service use across 25 African countries.

ABSTRACT: Despite increasing efforts to improve reproductive health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), disparities persist in the use of modern contraceptives and maternal health services (MHS). Evidence suggests that exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) may influence women's health-seeking behaviours, yet few studies have examined this relationship across multiple SSA countries. Using cross-sectional data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (2015-2024) in 25 SSA countries, we analyzed 122,144 women aged 15-49 with complete information on IPV, contraceptive use, and MHS utilization. The primary outcome variables were current use of any modern contraceptive method and adequate MHS use. IPV exposure was measured using standardized DHS indicators for emotional, physical, and s

SUBMITTER: Bawuah A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12633915 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature