Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #104930

Chiara Lucchetta¹, Patrizia Romito, PhD², Janet M. Turan, PhD³, and Federica Scrimin¹. (1) IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via S.Anastasio 12, Trieste, 34100, Italy, (2) Department of Pyschology, University of Trieste (Italy), Via S. Anastasio 12, Trieste, 34100, Italy, (3) Center for AIDS Prevention Studies, UCSF, 103 Hoskins Court, Apt. 102, Stanford, CA 94305, (650) 497-9229, jmturan@gmail.com

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of male and family violence against women around pregnancy, analyze socio-demographic characteristics associated with violence, and explore the role of pregnancy intendedness. A total of 352 postpartum women were interviewed in Trieste, Italy. Twelve women (3.4%, 95% CI: 1.5 – 5.3%) reported experiencing any violence by a male partner or family member around pregnancy (during or in the 12 months preceding pregnancy). Follow-up interviews at nine months after the birth validate this finding. There were significant associations between violence and socio-demographic variables, including age, nationality, marital status, and employment. Male or family violence around pregnancy was strongly associated with measures of pregnancy intendedness. Women who felt the pregnancy was unwanted or mistimed were 13.08 times more likely than women who wanted the pregnancy at this time to have experienced violence. Women who reported discordance with their partner's intentions regarding the pregnancy were 8.31 times more likely to have experienced violence, compared to those who concurred with their partner. The prevalence of violence around pregnancy was found to be low in this sample. In Italy, and especially in Trieste, fertility is very low. It is hypothesized that in this setting, where there is good access to contraception and abortion and where low fertility is socially acceptable, most women are able to control their fertility and have children only when they are in good situations. However, those who are disadvantaged in several ways may not have the resources to avoid pregnancy when they are experiencing violence.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe the prevalence of violence against women around pregnancy found in U.S. and European samples.
• Identify socio-demographic variables associated with violence against women around pregnancy in different settings.
• Discuss the role of pregnancy intendedness in violence against women around pregnancy.

Keywords: Violence, Pregnancy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.