Intimate Partner Violence Against Women and Mortality Among Children Younger Than 5 Years: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a persistent global public health concern with lasting impacts on the health of affected women and their children. Although previous studies suggest a potential link between IPV and mortality among children younger than 5 years (under-5 mortality [U5M]), the evidence remains inconclusive. To examine whether different forms of IPV are associated with under-5, infant, and neonatal mortality. Seven databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL) were searched from database inception to April 22, 2026. Studies were included if they examined the association between forms of IPV (any IPV or subtypes such as physical, sexual, emotional violence, or partner control behavior) and under-5, infant, and neonatal mortality. Two reviewers independently conducted study selection. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses reporting guideline was followed. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Exposures tool. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. Twenty-eight studies comprising 684 065 participants were included in the systematic review, of which 25 were included in the meta-analyses. IPV was associated with higher odds of U5M (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.05-1.16), infant mortality (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.11-1.57), and neonatal mortality (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.19-1.55). Physical IPV (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.17-1.61), sexual IPV (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.33-2.17), and emotional IPV (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.07-1.56) were associated with higher odds of neonatal mortality. Physical IPV was also associated with higher odds of infant mortality (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.01-1.44). No statistically significant associations were observed between IPV subtypes and U5M. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, IPV against women was associated with higher odds of under-5, infant, and neonatal mortality. These findings suggest the importance of addressing IPV within child health strategies.