Predicting physical abuse against pregnant Hispanic women.
BACKGROUND
Abuse during pregnancy is common and has adverse health effects on maternal and infant health. To prevent abuse to pregnant women, predictors must be identified and incorporated into routine screening and intervention protocols.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether or not symbolic violence and threats of violence by a male intimate were associated with physical violence against pregnant Hispanic women.


METHODS
Cross-sectional interview survey questionnaire.


METHODS
Urban, public health prenatal clinics.


METHODS
329 pregnant, physically abused Hispanic women.


METHODS
Physical abuse against pregnant Hispanic women as measured on the Severity of Violence Against Women Scale.


RESULTS
Regression analysis showed that symbolic violence and threats of violence by the perpetrator were jointly and independently significantly (P < .0005) associated with physical violence.


CONCLUSIONS
Because symbolic violence is significantly associated with physical violence against pregnant women, screening and early intervention programs should focus on such behavior.
Texas Woman's University, Houston 77030, USA.
J
J
McFarlane
W
W
Wiist
M
M
Watson
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005192:Family Health / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006306:Health Surveys; D006630:Hispanic or Latino / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D009633:Nonverbal Communication; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000208:ethnology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000208:ethnology*; D013561:Symbolism; D014481:United States; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014705:Verbal Behavior