Antenatal Domestic Violence & Fetal Outcome: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Antenatal domestic violence is a global public health and human rights concern. It increases the risk of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.

Aims & Objectives: To assess the frequency of antenatal domestic violence and associated factors and also to determine effect of domestic violence on fetal outcome.

Place and duration of study: This cross sectional study was conducted from January to June 2015 in post-natal wards of department of Gynecology & Obstetrics of six tertiary care hospitals of Lahore.

Material & Methods: A total of 255 females admitted in post-natal wards of department of Gynecology & Obstetrics enrolled after proper verbal informed consent. A structured, self-constructed questionnaire was administered on females enrolled consecutively till the desired sample size was complete. Data on domestic violence (verbal or physical), its associated factors, gestational age at birth, mode of delivery and birth weight of the neonate was analyzed on SPSS version 21.0.

Results: 22% (55/255) females experienced antenatal domestic violence during current pregnancy and out of 55, 72% faced verbal abuse while 27% experienced physical violence. In total 65/255(26%) w low birth weight neonates were born and out of them 58.18% (32/55) were born to mothers facing violence during pregnancy. Husband was mostly responsible for violence in 49% of cases. Antenatal domestic violence was significantly associated with low birth weight (p=<0.001).

Conclusion: Antenatal domestic violence is associated with low birth weight babies. Antenatal domestic violence prevention needs implementation of legislation and changing behaviors of violence in communities so to avoid health implications.