Domestic violence in pregnancy: a cross sectional study in tertiary care centre

Abstract

Objectives: To study the incidence and types of domestic violence in pregnancy and to determine the associated socio demographic factors. Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted in antenatal women over a period from September 2016 to September 2018. Nine ninety pregnant women fulfilling inclusion criteria were screened using a pre tested questionnaire. Statistical analysis of data was then done by using SPSS (version 19) for windows and is presented as percentages. Results: The incidence of domestic violence in our study was 32.7%.The most common form of domestic violence detected was physical violence (53.7%). There was an association of domestic violence with younger age group (20-30 years), multigravida, lower socio-economic strata, unemployment, illiteracy, addictions in partner in study population. Conclusion: The incidence of domestic violence in study was 32.7%. This may be still high due to underreporting of cases. More than 40% of women experienced domestic violence by their husband.

Keywords

• domestic violence
• pregnant women
• antenatal care