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Prevalence and complications of physical violence during pregnancy
Chibber Rachana1, Khwaja Suraiya, Al-Sibai Hisham
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, College of Medicine and Medical Sciences, King Faisal University, King Fahd Teaching Hospital of the University, Al-Khobar 31952, P.O. Box 2208 Dammam, Saudi Arabia. rchibber@hospital.kfu.edu.sa
Objectives:
To assess the incidence of self-reported physical violence in pregnancy and describe the association with foeto-maternal complications and birth outcome.
Method:
Seven thousand one hundred and five pregnant women over a 3 year period were assessed for self-reported physical violence. Maternal ante-natal hospitalization, low birth weight and pre-term delivery. Odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to measure association between physical violence, maternal morbidity and birth outcome.
Results:
The prevalence of physical violence was 21%. Women who reported/experienced physical violence, were more likely to be hospitalized ante-natally for maternal complications such as trauma due to blows/kicks on the pregnant abdomen, abruptio-placenta, pre-term labor and kidney infections. There was a positive association between physical violence during pregnancy and cesarean section, abruptio-placenta, fetal distress, and pre-maturity.
Conclusion:
Physical violence during pregnancy is common and is associated with adverse materno-fetal outcome.