Association between intimate partner violence and modern contraceptive use among women presenting for abortion care in Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia

The study examined the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) and modern contraceptive use among women seeking abortion care in Lusaka, Zambia. The research was conducted from November to December 2024 at four hospitals with 367 women participants having a median age of 25 years. Intimate partner violence was experienced by 62.9% of women, with emotional violence being the most common form (44.7%). Modern contraceptive use in the preceding six months was reported by 40.9% of women. Women experiencing intimate partner violence had lower odds of using modern contraceptives compared to those without such violence exposure. Higher contraceptive use was found among women older than 24 years compared to adolescent girls and young women aged 14-24 years. The study highlights the need for policies and programmes aimed at increasing modern contraceptive use with particular attention to addressing intimate partner violence and the reproductive health needs of young women.