DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN IN TAMALE NORTHERN GHANA

Authors

  • Godfred Asante (Corresponding Author) Presbyterian University, Abetifi-Kwahu, Ghana School of Development Studies, Eudoxia Research University, New Castle, USA
  • Benzier Isaac Adu Okoore School of Development Studies, Akropong Campus, Presbyterian University, Ghana
  • Eric Amankwaa Okwahu Campus, Presbyterian University, Ghana
  • Doris Fiassergbor Akropong Campus, Presbyterian University, Ghana
  • Richard Nimako School of Business, Okwahu Campus, Presbyterian University, Ghana
  • Alex Andrew James School of Continuing Studies, Georgetown University, Washington, USA

Keywords:

Domestic violence, Pregnancy, Tamale, Northern Ghana, Public health

Abstract

Domestic violence is a significant public health concern worldwide, with severe consequences for women's physical and mental health, particularly during pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, predictors, and consequences of domestic violence among pregnant women in Tamale, Northern Ghana. A cross sectional study was conducted among 400 pregnant women attending antenatal care at Tamale Teaching Hospital. Data were collected using a structural questionnaire and descriptive statistics logistic regression analysis were performed. The results showed that 31.5% of the respondents experienced domestic violence during pregnancy. The most common forms of violence were emotional (23.5%) and physical (17.5%). Factors associated with domestic violence younger age, lower education level, and partner's alcohol consumption. Domestic violence were significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight and preterm labor. The study highlights the need for healthcare providers to screen pregnant women for domestic violence and provide supportive services to those affected.

References

[1] Amooko-Coleman, M. Domestic violence among pregnant women in Ghana: A cross sectional study. Reproductive Health, 2016. DOI: 10.1186/s12978-018-0463-6.

[2] Fuseini, A. Domestic violence among pregnant women in Tamale Metropolis, Ghana. Master's thesis, University for Development Studies, Ghana, 2015.

[3] Mohammed, A. Violence against women in Ghana: A study of Domestic violence among pregnant women in the Northern Region. Research report, Ghana Health Service, 2022.

[4] Oduro, E. Prevalence and predictors of intimate partner violence among pregnant women in Ghana. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2019. DOI: 1186/s12884-2244-5.

[5] Offei - Aboagye, R. Domestic Violence in Ghana: An Examination of the Experiences of Pregnant Women. Springer Nature. 2020.

[6] Okronipa, H. Intimate partner violence during pregnancy in Ghana: Prevalence, predictors and health outcomes. Journal of Family Violence, 2013. DOI: 10. 1007/s 10896-017-9923-5.

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Published

2025-01-03

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Research Article

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61784/ssm3026

How to Cite

Godfred Asante, Benzier Isaac Adu Okoore, Eric Amankwaa, Doris Fiassergbor, Richard Nimako, Alex Andrew James. Domestic Violence Among Pregnant Women In Tamale Northern Ghana. Social Science and Management. 2025, 2(1): 1-4. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/ssm3026 .