L M Modiba1, O Baliki, R Mmalasa, P Reineke, C Nsiki. 1. Department of Health Studies, University of South Africa, Preller Street, Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria, South Africa. modiblm@unisa.ac.za
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Violence against women is a major contributor to the ill health of women. It can affect women and may lead to pregnancy complications or adverse birth outcomes. PURPOSE: To identify and outline domestic abuse amongst pregnant women, thereby providing preliminary data to justify the need for an abuse screening programme in the antenatal clinic. METHOD: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional survey. Data collection was undertaken through purposive sampling of pregnant mothers and the use of questionnaires in the form of structured interviews. FINDINGS: The overall prevalence of domestic abuse amongst pregnant women was 41%. When categorized by type of abuse, the prevalence rates were: emotional abuse, 26%; physical abuse, 17%; both physical and emotional abuse, 5%; and sexual abuse, 9%. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of domestic abuse amongst pregnant women and there is a need for abuse assessment screening during antenatal care for all pregnant women.
BACKGROUND: Violence against women is a major contributor to the ill health of women. It can affect women and may lead to pregnancy complications or adverse birth outcomes. PURPOSE: To identify and outline domestic abuse amongst pregnant women, thereby providing preliminary data to justify the need for an abuse screening programme in the antenatal clinic. METHOD: A quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional survey. Data collection was undertaken through purposive sampling of pregnant mothers and the use of questionnaires in the form of structured interviews. FINDINGS: The overall prevalence of domestic abuse amongst pregnant women was 41%. When categorized by type of abuse, the prevalence rates were: emotional abuse, 26%; physical abuse, 17%; both physical and emotional abuse, 5%; and sexual abuse, 9%. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of domestic abuse amongst pregnant women and there is a need for abuse assessment screening during antenatal care for all pregnant women.
Authors: Leonard Ogbonna Ajah; Chukwuemeka Anthony Iyoke; Peter Onubiwe Nkwo; Boniface Nwakoby; Paul Ezeonu Journal: Int J Womens Health Date: 2014-10-08