%0 Journal Article %T Intimate partner violence is associated with voluntary sterilization in women %J Journal of women's health (Larchmont) %D 2016 %A McCloskey, Laura Ann %A Doran, Kelly A. %A Gerber, Megan R. %V 26 %N 1 %P 64-70 %X 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.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether CSA and IPV are associated with women's voluntary sterilization when adjusting for demographics and reproductive health history.

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.

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.

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.

Language: en

%G en %I Mary Ann Liebert Publishers %@ 1540-9996 %U http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2015.5595