Association Between Maternal Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence and Nutritional Outcomes: A Secondary Data Analysis of Demographic Health Survey (DHS) from Four South Asian Countries

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a pervasive issue in South Asia with potential implications for women’s physical and nutritional health. This study assessed the association between maternal exposure to IPV and women’s nutritional status in four South Asian countries. A secondary analysis of Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from Pakistan (2017–18), India (2015–16), Nepal (2016), and Maldives (2016–17) was conducted. Nutritional status was classified by body mass index (BMI) into underweight, overweight, or obese categories. IPV was defined as physical, emotional, and/or sexual violence. Multivariable regression models were adjusted for covariates. Underweight prevalence was highest in India (17.9%), while overweight (37.7%) and obesity (22.9%) were most prevalent in Maldives. IPV prevalence was highest in Pakistan (28.8%). Underweight women were more likely to report IPV exposure; in Pakistan, they had 1.39 times the odds (95% CI: 0.97–1.98). Emotional and physical IPV were more common in Maldives. In India, sexual violence was associated with reduced odds of obesity. These findings suggest that IPV exposure among South Asian women is associated with a higher risk of being underweight and a lower likelihood of obesity. Further research is needed to explore victim experiences and inform targeted interventions.