Introduction: Domestic violence is a global health issue for women and pregnant women are at special risk for such violence in forms ranging from verbal abuse to homicide. This study proposes to systemically review the literature to estimate the prevalence of violence against pregnant women in developing countries. In addition, factors influencing such behavior and resultant health consequences are defined in developing countries. Methods: Major search engines MEDLINE, POPLINE, Population Council database and WHO reproductive Health Database were reviewed. In addition, websites of WHO and regional offices such as EMRO, PAHO, AFRO and SEARO were searched. Any literature on violence and violent deaths during pregnancy for year 1966-2001 were collected for analysis. Results: Studies indicate that the prevalence of violence among pregnant women in developing countries range from 4.3% to 22%. The proportion of maternal deaths from violence varied form 13% to 36%. The main risk factors for abuse during pregnancy were belonging to a low-income group, low education in both partners, and unplanned pregnancy. Conclusions: The measures of violence, the populations sampled and study methods varied considerably across studies resulting in challenges to comparability. Future research that more accurately measures violence during pregnancy is recommended in order to precisely estimate the burden of this problem. The vulnerability of pregnant women to violence, and to consequences affecting themselves and their fetuses is an alarming public health issue in developing countries and calls for designing and implementing better preventive strategies.
Learning Objectives: N/A
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Pregnancy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.