Citation

Almeida FS, Coutinho EC, Duarte JC, Chaves CM, Nelas PA, Amaral OP, de Castro Parreira V. J. Clin. Nurs. 2017; 26(15-16): 2417-2425.

Affiliation

Escola Superior de Enfermagem do Porto.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/jocn.13756

PMID

28178385

Abstract

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of domestic violence (physical, psychological or sexual) during pregnancy and to characterise these women.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women are not immune to domestic violence (DV) and therefore may be subject to any form of physical, psychological or sexual violence by partners. Health professionals' knowledge and awareness is important in the identification and intervention of pregnant women who experience domestic violence.

METHODS: Quantitative, descriptive, correlational study, using a non-probabilistic convenience sample consisting of a total of 852 postpartum women, of whom 370 were experiencing domestic violence according to the criteria adopted through the modified scale of prevalence, applied between February and June 2012 in two Portuguese public health institutions. Authorisation was given by the Ethics Committees/Administration Councils of both institutions involved and the National Committee of Data Protection.

RESULTS: The prevalence of DV during pregnancy was 43.4% (physical violence - 21.9%; psychological violence - 43.2% and sexual violence - 19.6%). These women had the following profile: immigrant (OR=5,70; IC95%3,32-9,78), non-Caucasian (OR=6,27; IC95%3,76-10,46), single/divorced/widowed (OR=2,28; IC95%1,70-3,05), academic qualifications up to year 9 (OR=4,94; IC95%3,31-7,37); between 10-12 years of schooling (OR=2,36; IC95%1,70-3,29); unemployed (OR=2,01; IC95%1,50-2,69) and with a monthly income < 1000 euros (OR=1.90; IC95%1.44-2.50). Through logistic regression the following protective factors have been identified: Nationality (Portuguese), Race (Caucasian) and place of residence (city).

CONCLUSIONS: Almost half of the sample had experienced some form of DV. This is associated with certain socio-demographic factors identified in the study. Psychological violence was the most prevalent during pregnancy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Pregnancy; determinants; domestic violence; prevalence