Implications of the Effect of Different Types of Intimate Partner Violence on the Use of Contraceptives by Mothers: Evidence from the Philippines

This study examines the association between different dimensions of intimate partner violence (IPV)-physical violence, emotional abuse, and sexual violence-and mothers' contraceptive use, including current use of modern and natural methods as well as ever use of specific contraceptive methods, using data from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey (CLHNS) and propensity score matching. The results indicate that contraceptive behavior varies by type of IPV exposure. Physical violence is associated with a higher probability of current modern contraceptive use and a lower probability of relying on some natural methods. Emotional abuse is associated with a higher probability of ever using withdrawal and condoms, while sexual violence is associated with a lower probability of ever using condoms and a higher probability of abstinence. Overall, the findings suggest that different forms of IPV are associated with distinct patterns of contraceptive behavior. These results underscore the importance of reproductive health policies and services that are responsive to women's vulnerability to partner violence and that strengthen informed and autonomous contraceptive decision-making.