Researchers in Ethiopia discovered a troubling connection: women who experience violence from partners are more likely to have anemia, a condition where the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells. By studying over 4,000 women, scientists found that those who experienced abuse were about 40% more likely to have anemia, and those who experienced multiple types of abuse had even higher rates. This research suggests that doctors should screen women for both abuse and anemia together, since these problems may be linked.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether women who experience intimate partner violence (abuse from a romantic partner) are more likely to develop anemia, a blood condition that makes you tired and weak.
  • Who participated: 4,265 women aged 15-49 years old from Ethiopia who answered questions about their relationships and had their blood tested as part of a national health survey in 2016.
  • Key finding: Women who experienced any form of partner abuse were 39% more likely to have anemia. Women who experienced multiple types of abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual) were 61% more likely to have anemia compared to women who hadn’t experienced abuse.
  • What it means for you: If you or someone you know experiences partner abuse, getting checked for anemia is important. Healthcare providers should ask about abuse when treating women with low iron levels, and should check for anemia when helping women escape abusive situations.

The Research Details

This study used information collected by the Ethiopian government in 2016 when they surveyed thousands of women about their health and relationships. Researchers looked back at this existing data to see if there was a pattern between women who reported experiencing abuse and those who had anemia (low red blood cell counts). The women answered questions about whether they experienced physical violence, sexual assault, emotional abuse, or controlling behaviors from their partners. Doctors also measured their hemoglobin levels (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen) through blood tests.

The researchers used statistical methods to compare anemia rates between women who experienced abuse and those who didn’t, while accounting for other factors that might affect anemia like age, education, and wealth. This approach helps isolate the connection between abuse and anemia specifically.

Using existing national survey data is valuable because it includes a large, representative group of women from across Ethiopia, making the findings more likely to apply to the broader population. This type of analysis can reveal important health patterns that might otherwise be missed. Understanding the link between abuse and anemia is crucial because both conditions are common in Ethiopia and both can seriously harm women’s health.

This study has several strengths: it included a large number of women (over 4,000), used standardized questions about abuse, and measured anemia through actual blood tests rather than just asking women. However, because it analyzed existing data rather than following women over time, we can’t be completely certain that abuse causes anemia—only that they occur together. The study also relied on women’s willingness to report abuse, and some women may not have felt comfortable sharing this information.

What the Results Show

Among the 4,265 women studied, about 1 in 4 (25.4%) had anemia. Remarkably, nearly two-thirds of the women (64.1%) reported experiencing at least one form of intimate partner violence, including physical abuse, sexual assault, emotional abuse, or controlling behaviors. About 1 in 8 women (13.1%) experienced multiple types of abuse.

Women who experienced any form of partner violence were significantly more likely to have anemia. Specifically, they had a 39% higher chance of having anemia compared to women who hadn’t experienced abuse. The connection was even stronger for women who experienced multiple forms of abuse—they were 61% more likely to have anemia.

These findings remained true even after researchers accounted for other factors that could affect anemia, such as age, education level, and economic status. This suggests the abuse itself may be contributing to the anemia, rather than these other factors being the main cause.

The study showed that the more types of abuse a woman experienced, the higher her risk of anemia. This dose-response relationship (more abuse = higher risk) strengthens the evidence that abuse and anemia are genuinely connected. The research also highlights how common both problems are in Ethiopia—affecting millions of women—making this a significant public health concern.

While previous research has shown that stress and trauma can affect nutrition and blood health, this is one of the first studies to specifically examine the link between partner abuse and anemia in a large group of women. The findings align with what scientists know about how chronic stress and violence can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb and use iron, the mineral needed to prevent anemia.

Because this study analyzed data collected at one point in time rather than following women over years, we cannot definitively prove that abuse causes anemia—only that they occur together. Some women may not have reported abuse due to shame or fear, which could make the actual rates of abuse higher than reported. The study also cannot explain exactly how abuse leads to anemia, whether through poor nutrition, stress effects, or other mechanisms. Finally, these results are from Ethiopia and may not apply exactly the same way in other countries with different healthcare systems and cultural contexts.

The Bottom Line

Healthcare providers should screen women for both intimate partner violence and anemia, especially in settings where these problems are common. Women experiencing abuse should be checked for anemia as part of their medical care. Programs addressing women’s nutrition and anemia should also include resources for women experiencing abuse. These recommendations are supported by moderate-quality evidence from this large study.

This research is important for doctors, nurses, and health workers who care for women of reproductive age. It’s also relevant for organizations working on women’s safety, nutrition programs, and public health in Ethiopia and similar settings. Women experiencing abuse should know that anemia is a possible health consequence and should seek medical care. Family members and friends of women in abusive relationships should understand this connection as well.

Anemia develops gradually over time, often taking weeks to months to become noticeable. If a woman stops experiencing abuse and receives treatment for anemia (such as iron supplements), improvements in energy and health may take several weeks to a few months to become apparent, depending on how severe the anemia is.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly energy levels (1-10 scale) and any symptoms of anemia like fatigue, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Also note any instances of abuse or controlling behaviors to identify patterns.
  • If using a health app, set reminders for iron-rich meals (beans, leafy greens, meat) and schedule regular check-ins with healthcare providers. If experiencing abuse, use the app to document incidents safely and connect with local support resources.
  • Monitor hemoglobin levels through regular blood tests (every 3-6 months if anemic). Track energy levels and symptoms daily. If experiencing abuse, work with a counselor or social worker to monitor safety and access support services while also addressing the anemia through medical treatment.

This research shows an association between partner abuse and anemia but does not prove that abuse directly causes anemia. If you are experiencing intimate partner violence, please reach out to local domestic violence support services, healthcare providers, or call a domestic violence hotline. If you have symptoms of anemia (persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, or dizziness), consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical or mental health advice. Always discuss your individual health concerns with qualified healthcare professionals.