Intimate partner violence, pregnancy intention and contraceptive use in Honduras

We explored the relationship between Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), pregnancy intention and contraceptive use in Honduras.

We used the most recent Honduras Demographic and Health Survey (DHS 2011-2012) data to examine the relationship between physical IPV, sexual IPV and emotional IPV with pregnancy intention; contraceptive use; and husband's knowledge of contraceptive use among a sample of 6629 women. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate effects of IPV on the outcomes, controlling for empowerment indicators and socio-demographic variables.

Among currently married women with at least one living child born within the past 5 years, IPV was significantly associated with several outcomes. Women reporting any physical IPV (13.5%) were less likely to have wanted their last child (aOR: 0.52, p<.001) or to desire future children (aOR: 0.76, p=.002), and more likely to have ever used contraception (aOR: 2.32 p=.004). Those reporting physical with sexual violence (4.1%) were less likely to have wanted their last child (aOR: 0.59, p=.016). Women reporting emotional IPV (27.4%) were less likely to have wanted their last child (aOR: 0.56, p<.001) or to desire more children (aOR: 0.81, p<.001) and more likely to have ever used (aOR: 1.78, p<.001) and currently be using contraception (aOR: 1.19, p=.006).

IPV was associated with both unwanted pregnancy and increased contraceptive use among married Honduran women. Universal screening for IPV among women who seek SRH services in Honduras may help identify women in need and reduce stigma around IPV while improving SRH outcomes.

Honduran women exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) were more likely to have ever used contraception yet more likely to report an unwanted pregnancy. Universal screening for IPV among women seeking sexual and reproductive health services may help identify women in need and reduce stigma around IPV while improving outcomes.