Is preterm birth associated with intimate partner violence and maternal malnutrition during pregnancy in Ethiopia? A systematic review and meta analysis

Abstract

One in every eight live births in Ethiopia were preterm. Women who experienced intimate partner violence, malnutrition, and had previous preterm exposure were significantly associated with preterm birth. Thus, improving antenatal care visits and screening women who experience previous preterm birth are key interventions. The Federal Ministry of Health could be instrumental in preventing intimate partner violence and improving the nutritional status of pregnant women through proper and widespread implementation of programs to reduce preterm birth.