Marital violence affects reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes in Northeast India

Abstract

Abstract Background As per the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4, 2015–16) report, 40% of women aged 15–49 in India experienced intimate partner violence (IPV), with emotional abuse significantly associated with negative reproductive health (RH) outcomes. Methods The study uses secondary data from the NFHS-4 and conducts statistical analysis based on information gathered from 8766 married women aged 15–49 years in Northeast India. Bivariate analysis followed by multiple logistic regression analysis is performed to understand the relationship between IPV and its effects on women’s RH. Results The findings indicate that ever-married women in Northeast India have faced physical violence (25.1%), sexual violence (11.8%), emotional abuse (6.4%) and severe violence (5.3%). Among all women who participated in the study, 6.9% had experienced non-live births, 4.2% miscarriages, 2.4% abortions, 0.3% stillbirths, 16.9% terminated pregnancies and 2.1% sexually transmitted infections (STI). Sexually abused women (SAW) showed higher likelihoods of non-live births, STIs, miscarriages, abortions and pregnancy terminations. SAW had a 65% higher risk of miscarriages, while those experiencing physical violence had a 64% increased risk of abortions. Conclusion IPV significantly impacts women’s RH in Northeast India. This study presents evidence from surveys on sexual and RH among married women affected by IPV in Northeast India.