Silent Suffering: Exploring the Nexus between Sexual Violence and Eclampsia Vulnerability in the Indian Context
Eclampsia is the second major cause of maternal death in India. The adverse outcome of eclampsia is not only confined to the immediate effect on maternal and perinatal health but is also associated with a higher risk of chronic non-communicable diseases in the later stage of life. Earlier studies have linked the occurrence of eclampsia with several underlying factors related to socioeconomic, obstetric, medical, and demographic factors. Studies are limited which exploring whether Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) causes eclampsia in Indian context. Therefore, the study aims to investigate the association between IPV and eclampsia.
Data & method
The present study used National Family Health Survey Round 5 data (NFHS-5, 2019-2021) covering 18,431 reproductive-aged women in India. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to accomplish the objectives of the study.
Results
The study found that 13.8% of women were eclamptic and 6% experienced sexual violence. The study found a significant positive association between sexual violence and eclampsia. In particular, the adjusted likelihood of eclampsia was 1.38 times higher among the women who had experienced sexual violence than their counterparts. significantly increases. In addition, there was a significant regional variation in the likelihood of the occurrence of eclampsia caused by IPV. For instances, in the south region, women who experienced sexual violence were reported to be 2.86 times more likely to have eclampsia, a similar result was also found in the east region.
Conclusion
Incorporate IPV counselling in ANC to mitigate eclampsia caused by IPV and improve maternal well-being.