Pregnancy-associated death: a qualitative systematic review of homicide and suicide.
A systematic review of the literature on maternal homicide and suicide was performed to understand the causes of pregnancy-associated death. Forty-four studies examined homicide and/or suicide and pregnancy-associated death (defined as the death of a woman, from any cause, while she is pregnant or within 1 year of termination of pregnancy) (1). Of these studies, 747 homicides and 349 suicides were identified. All studies were included except duplicate datasets, case reports of less than 3 events, suicide attempts, unpublished manuscripts, review articles, or non-English studies. Homicide is a leading cause of pregnancy-associated death and suicide is also an important cause of death among pregnant and recently pregnant women. Healthcare providers should understand that homicide is a leading cause of pregnancy-associated death, most commonly as a result of partner violence. Therefore, screening for both partner violence and suicidal ideation are essential components of comprehensive medical care for women during and after pregnancy.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. eshadig@med.umich.edu
Elizabeth
E
Shadigian
Samuel T
ST
Bauer
D000328:Adult; D002423:Cause of Death; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D006708:Homicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008428:Maternal Mortality; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D015995:Prevalence; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013405:Suicide / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*