Physical Abuse among Pregnant Women with Disabilities in Massachusetts

Background: Population-based studies of physical abuse among women with disabilities before and during pregnancy are lacking. Objectives: The objective of the presentation is to examine prevalence of physical abuse before and during pregnancy among women with and without disabilities in Massachusetts. Methods: We used data from the 2007-08 MA Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System, a representative statewide survey of Massachusetts mothers. Weighted response rates were 70% in 2007 and 72% in 2008. Disability was defined as being limited in any activity because of a long-term physical, mental or emotional health condition. Results: Disability prevalence was 4.9%. Significant differences were observed in the prevalence of physical abuse by disability status. 13.6% (95% CI=7.2-24.0) of women with disabilities reported being physically abused during the 12 months before pregnancy compared to 2.8% (95% CI=2.1-3.7) of women without disabilities. Similarly, 8.1% (95% CI=4.0-15.7) of women with disabilities reported being physically abused during their most recent pregnancy, compared to 2.3% (95% CI=1.7-3.1) of women without disabilities. Logistic regression analyses controlling for race/ethnicity and household income indicated that women with disabilities were more likely to report abuse 12 months before pregnancy (OR=4.2, 95% CI=1.9-9.0) and during pregnancy (OR=2.8, 95% CI=1.1-6.6) compared to women without disabilities. No difference was observed by disability status in the likelihood of prenatal care providers talking to women about physical abuse. Conclusion: These analyses reveal disproportionate prevalence of physical abuse before and during pregnancy among women with disabilities and support the importance of screening women with disabilities for violence during prenatal visits.