OBSTETRICS OUTCOME OF PREGNANCIES COMPLICATED BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Abstract

CONTEXT: Physical form of domestic violence occur world wide with varying incidence. The relative incidences also vary with both women and partners demographic, social and obstetric characteristics. Pregnancies that are complicated by domestic violence are high risk pregnancies that are associated with increase adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the pregnancy specific incidence of physical form of domestic violence, the risk factors and adverse maternal and Neonatal outcomes associated with such violence.

METHOD: A case control analysis of pregnant women that delivered in ABUTH-Kaduna between 1stJune-30th November 2005. 643 women delivered within the period, 568 (88.3%) consented to partake in the study. 98 (17.3%) had suffered violence in current pregnancy, 91 were included in the case control analysis, 7 were excluded because of other compounding factors of adverse maternal and Neonatal outcomes.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Maternal and Neonatal complications of pregnancies complicated by domestic violence compared to control.
RESULT: The pregnancy specific incidence of physical violence was found to be 17.3%. The younger women, women with no formal education, unemployed, and those that are single have relatively higher incidence of violence. Both woman’s and spouse use of alcoholand cigarette was associated with a high incidence of violence. Physical violence was found to be associated with a high relative risk of adverse Maternal and Neonatal outcome.

The relative risk for premature rupture of fetal membrane was (3), preterm delivery (2.1). Abruptio-placentae (3.7), induction of labour (2.3) caesarean section (1.6), post partum haemorrhage (2.6) and puerperal sepsis (2.3).

Neonatal complication included a high relative risk of premature delivery (2.4), low birth weight (3.7), fetal distress (2.5) and perinatal mortality (2.7).

CONCLUSIONS: Domestic violence against pregnant women do occur in our community, and the relative incidence is affected by both demographic, social, and obstetrics variables. This violence is associated with both adverse maternal and Neonatal outcome. Empowerment of women educationally and financially, routine screening for violence and follow up of victims of violence is recommended.

OBSTETRICS OUTCOME OF PREGNANCIES COMPLICATED BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE