Contraceptive method choice by type of intimate partner violence: findings from the 2015 Colombian demographic and health survey

Abstract Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major global health issue and limits women’s reproductive autonomy. Despite high IPV and contraception prevalences in Colombia, the link between specific types of IPV and contraceptive methods remains understudied. This study aimed to examine associations between IPV and the type of contraceptive method used by Colombian women. Methods This cross-sectional study used data from the 2015 Colombian Demographic and Health Surveys. The sample included 13,896 ever-partnered women aged 15–49 who were not pregnant, infecund, or used permanent methods. Contraceptive method was categorised as: no contraception, traditional/fertility awareness methods (FAM), intrauterine devices (IUDs)/implants, oral/injectables, and external condoms. Exposure variables included any IPV, physical, sexual and emotional violence, and controlling behaviour in the past 12 months. Adjusted multinomial logistic regressions were conducted, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Results Physical and emotional IPV were associated with higher relative risks of using traditional/FAMs and IUDs/implants, and lower probabilities of using oral/injectables or external condoms. Sexual IPV was associated with higher relative risk and controlling behaviour with lower relative risk of using all contraceptive methods. Conclusions IPV-exposed women were more likely to use long-acting methods that can be used covertly, are less susceptible to partner interference, and require fewer healthcare visits, which may reflect increased contraceptive vigilance. Understanding the impact of IPV on contraceptive methods is necessary to improve women’s reproductive autonomy. Integrating IPV screening into family planning services and further research into contraceptive decision-making in abusive relationships is recommended.