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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
medicine
Social context and drivers of intimate partner violence in rural Kenya: Implications for the health of pregnant women
Culture, Health and Sexuality, Volume 15, No. 4, Year 2013
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Description
More than half of rural Kenyan women experience intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime. Beyond physical consequences, IPV indirectly worsens maternal health because pregnant women avoid antenatal care or HIV testing when they fear violent reprisal from partners. To develop an intervention to mitigate violence towards pregnant women, we conducted qualitative research in rural Kenya. Through eight focus group discussions, four with pregnant women and four with male partners, and in-depth interviews with service providers, we explored the social context of IPV using an ecological model. We found that women experienced physical and sexual IPV, but also economic violence such as forced exile from the marital home or losing material support. Relationship triggers of IPV included perceived sexual infidelity or transgressing gender norms. Women described hiding antenatal HIV testing from partners, as testing was perceived as a sign of infidelity. Extended families were sometimes supportive, but often encouraged silence to protect the family image. The broader community viewed IPV as an intractable, common issue, which seemed to normalise its use. These results resonate with global IPV research showing that factors beyond the individual - gender roles in intimate partnerships, family dynamics and community norms - shape high rates of violence. © 2013 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.
Authors & Co-Authors
Hatcher, Abigail M.
United States, San Francisco
Ucsf School of Medicine
South Africa, Johannesburg
University of the Witwatersrand Faculty of Health Sciences
Romito, Patrizia
Italy, Trieste
Università Degli Studi Di Trieste
Odero, Merab
Kenya, Nairobi
Kenya Medical Research Institute
Bukusi, Elizabeth Anne
Kenya, Nairobi
Kenya Medical Research Institute
Onono, Maricianah Atieno
Kenya, Nairobi
Kenya Medical Research Institute
Turan, Janet M.
United States, Birmingham
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Statistics
Citations: 102
Authors: 6
Affiliations: 5
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1080/13691058.2012.760205
ISSN:
13691058
e-ISSN:
14645351
Research Areas
Infectious Diseases
Maternal And Child Health
Sexual And Reproductive Health
Violence And Injury
Study Design
Randomised Control Trial
Study Approach
Qualitative
Study Locations
Kenya
Participants Gender
Male
Female