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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Ruchira Tabassum Naved, Dr, Public Health Sciences Division, ICDDR, B, Mohakhali, Dhaka, 1212, Bangladesh, +8811751-6- (Ext. 2241), ruchira@icddrb.org and Lars Åke Persson, Prof, International Maternal and Child Health, Uppsala University, SE 751 85, Uppsala, SE 751 85, Sweden.

Little research has been conducted on the factors associated with violence during pregnancy using population-based data, although it is critical for addressing this issue known to have many adverse consequences for women and their fetuses. This paper explores the factors associated with physical violence against pregnant women in Bangladesh. The data for the current analysis come from a population-based survey of reproductive aged women conducted during 2000-2004 in Bangladesh. The analysis includes all ever-pregnant women (n=2553) covered by the survey. Multilevel logistic regression was used for the analysis. In the urban area, age > 15-19, husbands education > 10th grade, higher spousal communication, and highest income quartile were negatively associated with abuse during pregnancy. On the other hand, history of mother being abused by father in woman's and her husband's family, Muslim religion, and higher prevalence of worry about the crime levels in the community were positively associated with this abuse. History of abuse of each of the spouses' mother by father and Muslim religion were positively associated with this violence in the rural area as well. Involvement of women in income earning increased the likelihood of violence of rural pregnant women. Perceived support from natal family in crisis and better spousal communication were negatively associated with abuse in pregnancy in this site. The determinants of violence during pregnancy differed between urban and rural areas, which needs to be taken into account in designing interventions. Male education and spousal communication need to be promoted for addressing this violence.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• List the factors associated with physical violence during pregnancy in urban Bangladesh.
• List the factors associated with physical violence during pregnancy in rural Bangladesh.

Keywords: Violence,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation