Influence of gender-based violence during pregnancy on child’s birth weight In Nigeria

Bosede Oyinloye, Obafemi Awolowo University
Amos O. Oyedokun, Obafemi Awolowo University
Ayodeji Kupoluyi, Obafemi Awolowo University
Elizabeth O. Njoku, Obafemi Awolowo University

The study examines the influence of gender-based violence during pregnancy on child’s birth weight in Nigeria. A weighted sample of 2,377 ever-married women who have experienced violence during pregnancy and who had a live birth, five years preceding the survey was obtained from the 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey dataset. Also, In-depth interviews (IDIs) were carried out to establish the validity of the findings obtained from the secondary data sets. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution, chi-square test and logistic regression models. The results showed that mothers’ socio-economic status and maternal health disparities were significantly associated with child’s birth weight (p<0.05). Logistic regression showed that women who experienced violence during pregnancy were 2.3 times more likely to deliver low birth weight children (p<0.01). The study concludes that violence against pregnant women should be addressed to safeguard the health of mothers and their baby. Keywords: Gender-based Violence, Birth Weight, Pregnancy