Association between socioeconomic factors, adverse childhood experiences, and intimate partner violence among infertile women in South Nigeria

Background: Infertility is a global reproductive health issue with medical, psychological, and socio-economic consequences. In low- and middle-income countries, it is highly stigmatized, disproportionately affecting women. Socio-economic status, adverse childhood experiences, and intimate partner violence are emerging contributors to infertility and its psychosocial burden. This study examines the relationship between socio-economic factors, adverse childhood experiences, and intimate partner violence among infertile women in Nigeria, assessing prevalence and patterns of violence. Methods: A cross-sectional study of 401 infertile women at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Port Harcourt, between November 2024 to February 2025 using structured questionnaires to collect data on socio-demographics, childhood adversity, and intimate partner violence. Multivariate analysis of variance and descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Results: Intimate partner violence was highly prevalent, with emotional abuse (72.8%) and physical abuse (65.3%) most common. Socio-economic status did not significantly affect overall violence risk, but low-income women were more likely to experience physical abuse (p=0.001). Adverse childhood experiences were strongly linked to emotional (p=0.000) and physical abuse (p=0.000). The combined effect of socio-economic status and adverse childhood experiences significantly increased emotional abuse and harassment (p=0.023, p=0.002). Conclusions: Infertile women in Nigeria experience a high burden of intimate partner violence, influenced by socio-economic disparities and childhood adversities. Addressing these factors through screening, trauma-informed care, and economic empowerment is essential for improving reproductive health outcomes.