Community Perspectives on Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy: A Qualitative Study from Rural Ethiopia

Intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is closely associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. To develop prevention strategies and interventions, the exploration of cultural norms, societal attitudes, and perceptions related to IPV is vital. This study explored community perspectives on IPV during pregnancy in rural Ethiopia. We used an exploratory qualitative study design to collect data. Data were collected through in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) guided by a semi-structured topic guide. The data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach, revealing the following four themes: (1) threats to the health of the mother and the fetus; (2) the contributing factors of IPV during pregnancy; (3) coping strategies for IPV during pregnancy; and (4) the need for intervention. Supportive attitudes toward IPV, early marriage, lack of awareness among offenders about its consequences, alcohol use, poor couple communication, and provocation by wives were found to be the causes of IPV during pregnancy. Participants in this study perceived IPV as a normal and unavoidable aspect of marital relationships. Comprehensive interventions that address challenging the cultural norms that condone IPV, increase community awareness of its detrimental effects, improve couples' communication skills, and address alcohol abuse among men could play a crucial role in preventing or reducing IPV during pregnancy.