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 All studies were included except duplicate datasets, case reports of less than 3 events, suicide attempts, unpublished manuscripts, review articles, or non-English studies.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.
Shadigian
Elizabeth
E
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. eshadig@med.umich.edu
Bauer
Samuel T
ST
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*