Document Type
Brief
Publication Date
2019
Abstract
Gendered norms and discriminatory practices often limit women’s decision-making power, which over time can lead to social norms that systematically disadvantage women. Aspects of empowerment were explored in a global evaluation of Demographic and Health Survey data that measured how gendered social norms influenced maternal health-seeking behaviors. Analysis specifically explored associations of women’s autonomy and acceptability of intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) on antenatal care use and facility delivery in 63 low- and middle-income countries. Service utilization is positively associated with increased autonomy and negatively associated with increased acceptability of IPVAW, but variability exists across countries and regions. In Kenya, maternal health-seeking behaviors are influenced by numerous interrelated factors. Little research exists on how gender dynamics and norms, including acceptability of various forms of IPVAW, may influence women’s decision-making autonomy, health-seeking behavior, and overall well-being. This country brief highlights quantitative and qualitative findings on the relationship between women’s autonomy and IPVAW acceptability and maternal health-seeking behaviors in Kenya.
Recommended Citation
Warren, Charlotte E., Pooja Sripad, and Charity Ndwiga. 2019. "Autonomy, intimate partner violence, and maternal health-seeking behavior: Findings from mixed-methods analysis in Kenya," Ending Eclampsia Country Brief. Washington, DC: Population Council.
DOI
10.31899/rh11.1003
Language
English
Project
Ending Eclampsia
Included in
Demography, Population, and Ecology Commons, Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence Commons, Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Gender and Sexuality Commons, International Public Health Commons, Maternal and Child Health Commons, Medicine and Health Commons