Intimate Partner Violence Among Infertile Women Attending West Arsi and Bale Zones, Ethiopia

<title>Abstract</title> <p>Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive human rights issue that disproportionately affects women, particularly in developing countries such as Ethiopia. Infertile women face an intensified risk due to social norms that blame them for childlessness. This intersection of infertility and IPV results in severe physical, psychological, and economic consequences. However, evidence on this issue in Ethiopia remains scarce. This study aims to assess the IPV among infertile women in the study area. Objectives The study aimed to assess the prevalence of IPV and associated factors among infertile women attending health facilities in the West Arsi and Bale Zones, Ethiopia, in 2025. Methods A health facility–based cross-sectional study was conducted among 423 women from May 1 to June 30, 2025. Intimate partner violence was assessed using WHO-validated domestic violence tools for low-income settings. Participants were selected through systematic random sampling, and data were collected via structured interviews and patient card review using Kobo Toolbox. The data were exported to SPSS version 26 for cleaning and analysis. Binary and multivariable logistic regression models were applied, with statistical significance determined at a p-value of &lt; 0.05. Results Of the 423 women approached, 406 participated, yielding a response rate of 95.98%. The prevalence of intimate partner violence among infertile women attending gynecology referral clinics in West Arsi and Bale zone hospitals was 53% (95% CI: 48.1%–57.8%). Primary infertility was significantly associated with IPV (AOR = 2.67; 95% CI: 1.50–4.78), as was low marital satisfaction (AOR = 3.10; 95% CI: 1.40–6.79). Additionally, women with depressive symptoms had a higher likelihood of experiencing IPV (AOR = 1.77; 95% CI: 1.16–2.71). Conclusion and Recommendations: This study revealed that intimate partner violence among infertile women is alarmingly high, affecting more than half of the participants. Types of infertility, low marital satisfaction, and depression were identified as significant associations. These findings highlight the need for routine IPV and mental health screening within infertility care services. Incorporating psychosocial support and marital counseling into reproductive health programs is strongly recommended. In hospitals, coordinated action across reproductive, mental health, and social services is essential.</p>