Journal des soins de santé des femmes
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Reproductive coercion experiences and reproductive outcomes among women in low and middle-income countries. Qualitative evidence synthesis.

Jote Markos Cafo1*, Dessalegn Wirtu1, Taka Girma2, Tahir Hasen1

Background: Reproductive coercion is behavior that another person or the partner purposefully restricts women’s reproductive choices. Reproductive coercion is an emerging public health issue that was closely related to intimate partner violence but recently identified as an independent phenomenon. The aim of the analysis is to organize the qualitative evidences regarding impact of reproductive coercion on reproductive outcomes of reproductive age women in low and middle income countries.

Methods: Data bases like PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Embase for published researches and openGrey and Google Scholar were searched for Gray literatures. Primary human studies, English language, studies from low and middle income countries were included. Data were identified from the involved studies using Critical appraisal skills Program. The Harden and Thomas thematic analysis approach was used to analyze and organize the evidence and the GRADE-CERQual approach was used to assess confidence in review findings. Report of the synthesis was based on the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care template.

Result: Sixteen studies from Low and Middle income Countries were included in the review. Majority of the studies were pure qualitative except few studies that were mixed studies with clear qualitative parts. Reproductive coercion manifested as pregnancy promotion, contraceptive sabotage, deceptions and forced sex. Women who were victims of reproductive coercion had unintended pregnancy, and they were forced by their partner to have abortion against their will.

Conclusion: The common types of reproductive coercion identified included pregnancy pressure, contraceptive sabotage, and controlling the outcome of a pregnancy. Unintended pregnancy and forced termination of pregnancy were the reproductive outcome commonly happening to the women because of reproductive coercions.