Intimate Partner Violence among Pregnant Adolescents Attending Primary Health Care Center in Osun State, Nigeria (Published)
Intimate partner violence (IPV) in pregnancy harms maternal and child health, but evidence on pregnant adolescents in Nigerian primary health care (PHC) is scarce. We assessed IPV prevalence, forms, frequency, consequences and disclosure in Osun State. A convergent mixed-methods study was conducted in nine PHCs across three LGAs in 2026. In total, 470 pregnant adolescents completed questionnaires and 18 completed in-depth interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests, and content analysis, then integrated in a joint display. Forced sex (60.2%), phone monitoring (54.0%), physical violence (52.1%), insults (51.7%), isolation (51.7%) and refusal of family planning (50.4%) were reported by at least half of respondents. Consequences included anxiety or fear (51.3%) and missed antenatal visits (44.9%). Most (82.6%) had told no one, none had told a health worker, and 63.8% had never been asked about violence. Interviews cited stigma, fear of retaliation and distrust of services.
IPV is common but hidden. Routine private enquiry, trained responders, referral pathways and attention to reproductive coercion are needed.
Keywords: Antenatal Care, Nigeria, intimate partner violence, pregnant adolescents, primary health care, reproductive coercion