The Prevalence and Determinants of Emotional Violence and Controlling Behaviours in Intimate Relationships During Pregnancy: Insights from an Analytical Cross-Sectional Study in Central Tanzania

Authors

  • Fabiola Vincent Moshi The University of Dodoma, Tanzania
  • Keiko Nakamura The Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan
  • Yuri Tashiro The Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan
  • Ayano Miyashita The University of Tokyo, Japan
  • Runa Katoh The Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan
  • Hideko Sato The Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan
  • Mayumi Ohnishi Nagasaki University, Japan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314/eajph.v17i2.63

Keywords:

Emotional Violence, Controlling Behaviour, Pregnant Women

Abstract

Introduction: Pregnancy is a period of increased vulnerability to intimate partner violence (IPV), as women undergo significant physical and emotional changes requiring support from their male partners. However, limited evidence exists on the determinants of emotional and controlling abuse during pregnancy, particularly in central Tanzania. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants influencing the occurrence of these forms of IPV in the region.

 Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in the Central Zone of Tanzania, involving 360 postnatal women. A four-stage sampling technique was used to select participants, who were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 25 to assess determinants of  IPV during pregnancy.

Results: Emotional violence during pregnancy affected 42.8% of women, while 58.3% experienced male partner controlling behaviour. Civil marriage reduced the likelihood of emotional violence (aOR=0.16; 95%CI:0.03-0.76), whereas not cohabiting with a partner (aOR=3.23; 95%CI:1.43-7.29) and partner alcohol use (aOR = 3.94; 95%CI:1.97-7.88) increased the risk of emotional violence. Controlling behaviour was more likely when women independently chose their partners (aOR=3.20; 95%CI:1.39-7.68) and among partners employed in the private (aOR=2.14;  95%CI:1.03-4.48) and government sectors (aOR=3.43; 95%CI:1.21-9.70) compared to farmers.

Conclusion: The findings indicate that emotional violence and controlling behaviour during pregnancy are widespread and influenced by relationship dynamics, partner behaviours, and gender norms. The results highlight the need for integrated antenatal and community interventions focusing on early identification of IPV, male involvement, and addressing harmful social and behavioural norms to reduce violence during pregnancy.

Author Biographies

Fabiola Vincent Moshi, The University of Dodoma, Tanzania

Department of Nursing Management and Education, School of Nursing and Public Health

Keiko Nakamura, The Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan

Department of Global Health Entrepreneurship

Yuri Tashiro, The Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan

Department of Global Health Entrepreneurship

Ayano Miyashita, The University of Tokyo, Japan

Health Data Science Research Unit, Institute for Future Initiatives

Runa Katoh, The Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan

Department of Global Health Entrepreneurship

Hideko Sato, The Institute of Science Tokyo, Japan

Department of Global Health Entrepreneurship

Mayumi Ohnishi, Nagasaki University, Japan

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

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Published

21-07-2026

How to Cite

Moshi, F., Nakamura, K. ., Tashiro, Y. ., Miyashita, A. ., Katoh, R. ., Sato, H. . ., & Ohnishi, M. . . . (2026). The Prevalence and Determinants of Emotional Violence and Controlling Behaviours in Intimate Relationships During Pregnancy: Insights from an Analytical Cross-Sectional Study in Central Tanzania. East African Journal of Public Health, 17(2), 58–79. https://doi.org/10.4314/eajph.v17i2.63

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 2 (2026)

Section

Original Research