Domestic Violence in an African Obstetric Population

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Abuse during pregnancy is of particular concern because it is a threat to both maternal and child health. The knowledge of the prevalence, nature, and perpetrators of domestic violence will assist in developing a strategy for health care professionals to screen and refer abused women for effective interventions. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of domestic violence in pregnancy. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional survey involving 1,030 consecutive and consenting antenatal attendees at Aba, southeastern Nigeria, over the period June 10, 2013, to September 10, 2013. A questionnaire that was a modified version of Abuse Assessment Screen was used to collect and record demographic data, physical or emotional abuse by a partner or someone close to the participants in the past, or physical hurt in the current pregnancy. The perpetrator of the violence and the nature and severity of the abuse were also recorded. RESULTS: The prevalence of domestic violence was 50.1%. Domestic violence was highest in the age group 20–24 years. Husbands were the main perpetrators. Threats and slapping were the most common pattern of violence. Victims of domestic violence were more likely to be aged 20–24 years, attained tertiary education, and unpartnered (all P<.05). CONCLUSION: Domestic violence is highly prevalent in this population. Because pregnancy presents a unique window of opportunity to screen for domestic violence, the introduction of routine antenatal enquiry for domestic violence is necessary if abused women are to be identified and supported. Further studies to evaluate the potential benefits for screening and intervention during pregnancy are warranted.