Abstract

Introduction: Violence against women by partners during pregnancy is a major public health concern. As there is no studies done in the Solomon Islands to date on the prevalence of Intimate partner violence (IPV) specifically in the pregnant population, this study is aimed to understand the prevalence and characteristics of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) among pregnant women seeking antenatal care, Solomon Islands (2016).
Methodology: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Solomon Islands. Data was collected in 2016 using a valid questionnaire. A purposive sampling was used. An interviewer administered structured questionnaire was used in health facilities after participants approval. Participants were given an open invitation and those who volunteered to take part in the study were provided with a participant information sheet. Written informed consent was obtained before administration of the questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS and the results were shown in table and graph.
Results: 242 women met the study criteria. Participants’ age ranged from 16 to 44 years with a mean of 28 years. 55% have had one or more pregnancy and 222 (92%) had their antenatal booking in the second or third trimester. Out of the total participants, 136 (56%) reported experiencing IPV in pregnancy. The prevalence of emotional, sexual and physical IPV was 45%, 33% and 17% respectively. The results also showed that 92% of women who reported experiencing violence in the current pregnancy didn’t received any form of counseling.
Conclusion: Demographic characteristics of participants and also high prevalence of IPV as shown in this study highlight this issue as an urgent health priority for the policy makers and health decision makers. Using the results of this study to develop an interventional study can be suggested.

Keywords: Prevalence; Intimate partner violence; Pregnant women; Solomon Islands