Abstract
Aim of the studyTo assess Intimate partner violence and psychiatric co-morbidities in pregnant women.Subject or material and methodsHundred and twenty consecutive patients who were pregnant attending the Ante natal clinic between 18-45 years were included in study. They were administered a semi structured proforma to collect socio demographic details, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) was assessed by WHO violence against women instrument. Psychiatric diagnosis was made according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 criteria (DSM-5), anxiety was assessed using Hamilton Anxiety Rating scale (HAM-A), depression was assessed using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D).ResultsAbout 15% of the patients had psychiatric comorbidities and 35% of the patients had history of intimate partner violence. Eighteen (42.85%) of the 42 had psychological violence and 24(57.15%) had physical sexual violence. When we compared the females, who did not have IPV (group 1) and who had IPV (group 2)- suicidal ideas, MTPs more than one, stress, depressive disorder and anxiety disorder was more in group 2 and this difference was statistically significant. Substance abuse was observed more in group 2 spouses than group 1 spouses and was statistically significant.DiscussionIPV and psychiatric morbidity has been observed significantly during pregnancy and antenatal care presents a unique opportunity in which health care providers can foster trusting relationships with pregnant women, thereby increasing the likelihood of IPV detection and mitigating its related negative consequences to both mother and child.ConclusionsA significant number of pregnant women reported IPV. This emphasizes the importance of screening for IPV in these women.
Highlights
Pregnancy and childbirth are major milestones in the lives of many couples and their families
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is recognized as a worldwide public health issue, its prevalence is considered to be underestimated because cases are likely underreported, suggesting that there might be unmeasured IPV [11]
Participation in the study was voluntary, and the spouses of pregnant women were not present at the time of interviews. They were administered a semi structured proforma to collect socio demographic details, IPV was assessed by World Health Organization (WHO) violence against women instrument
Summary
Pregnancy and childbirth are major milestones in the lives of many couples and their families. IPV is a significant public health problem in our society, affecting women disproportionately. It has a substantial impact on a woman’s physical and mental health. Most researchers and caregivers agree that perinatal care is an ideal ‘window of opportunity’ to address IPV, for it is often the only moment in the lives of many couples when there is regular contact with health care providers [9,10]. There are many opportunities within the current health care system for screening and early intervention during routine prenatal care or during episodic care in a hospital setting. IPV is recognized as a worldwide public health issue, its prevalence is considered to be underestimated because cases are likely underreported, suggesting that there might be unmeasured IPV [11]
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