Domestic violence as risk factor for unwanted pregnancy and induced abortion in Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.
OBJECTIVE
To compare pregnancy intention and domestic violence among women with induced and spontaneous abortion.


METHODS
Case-control study in Mulago Hospital, Uganda, from September 2003 to June 2004 of 942 women seeking post-abortion care. Direct inquiry, records review and clinical examination identified 333 with induced abortion (cases) and 609 with spontaneous abortion (controls), who were compared regarding socio-demographic characteristics, contraceptive use, domicile (rural or urban, nuclear or extended families), pregnancy intention, household decision-making and domestic violence. Data was analysed with EPI-INFO and STATA, using Student t-test and analysis of variance for continuous and chi-square for categorical variables. Stratified and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to adjust for confounding and interaction at the 95% confidence level.


RESULTS
Cases significantly differed from controls as they were younger or more often single; had lower parity and education, less household decision-making and fewer living children. They were similar to controls (P > 0.05) regarding employment, spouse's age, years spent in marital relationship and domicile. Cases more frequently (P < 0.001) had mistimed, unplanned or unwanted pregnancy at conception and presentation. Cases were more likely to have a recent history of domestic violence (physical, sexual or psychological) [OR: 18.7 (95%CI: 11.2-31.0)] after adjusting for age, pregnancy intention and marital status.


CONCLUSIONS
Domestic violence is a risk factor for unwanted pregnancy and induced abortion among women seeking post-abortion care.
Kaye
Dan K
DK
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Makerere University Medical School, Kampala, Uganda. dankkaye@yahoo.com
Mirembe
Florence M
FM
Bantebya
Grace
G
Johansson
Annika
A
Ekstrom
Anna Mia
AM
D000028:Abortion, Induced; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D017579:Domestic Violence; D004522:Educational Status; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010298:Parity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011275:Pregnancy, Unwanted; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014454:Uganda / Q000453:epidemiology