@article{ref1,
title="Intimate partner violence is associated with voluntary sterilization in women",
journal="Journal of women's health (Larchmont)",
year="2016",
author="McCloskey, Laura Ann and Doran, Kelly A. and Gerber, Megan R.",
volume="26",
number="1",
pages="64-70",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) may interfere with women's use of preferred forms of contraception, resulting in unwanted pregnancies forcing women to seek permanent sterilization. A history of child sexual abuse (CSA) presages the risk for IPV in adulthood setting the stage for adverse reproductive outcomes. <br><br>OBJECTIVE: To determine whether CSA and IPV are associated with women's voluntary sterilization when adjusting for demographics and reproductive health history. <br><br>METHODS: This cross-sectional study is based on in-person interviews of women (N = 278) drawn from outpatients surveyed in more than 10 different clinics (N = 2465). Women's history of gender-based violence and bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) were assessed. <br><br>RESULTS: About half of the women had a past history of IPV and 29% disclosed CSA. CSA predicted later entry into an abusive relationship (odds ratio [OR] = 6.7). Sterilization was reported by 19.6%. Parity (3+ children), having had an abortion, and receipt of welfare were associated with sterilization in univariate tests. Among those women receiving a BTL, 74% had violent partners. Adjusted multivariate logistic regressions, adjusted for demographics and reproductive history, indicated that having had an abusive partner increased the odds of sterilization; parity was also highly associated. CSA exerted only an indirect influence on sterilization via entry into violent relationships. <br><br>CONCLUSION: IPV raises the likelihood that women will choose sterilization. Despite the importance of women's access to permanent contraception, priority should be given to screening for gender-based violence and promoting interventions.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1540-9996",
doi="10.1089/jwh.2015.5595",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2015.5595"
}