Domestic Violence in Pregnant Women: A Study Conducted in the Postpartum Period of Adolescents and Adults.
The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of domestic violence in adolescent and adult mothers who were admitted to obstetrics services centers in Brazil and to identify risk factors of domestic violence and any adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes. Researchers used standardized interviews, the questionnaire Abuse Assessment Screen, and a review of patients' medical records. Descriptive statistical analyses were also used. The prevalence of domestic violence among all participants totaled 40.1% (38.5% of adolescents, 41.7% of adults). Factors associated with domestic violence during pregnancy were as follows: a history of family violence, a greater number of sexual partners, and being a smoker. No statistically significant association was found for adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes. Results showed that, in Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil, pregnancy did not protect a woman from suffering domestic violence.
Universidade Vila Velha, Brazil luciahmlima@gmail.com.
Lucia Helena Mello de
LH
Lima
Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Rosiane
R
Mattar
Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Anelise Riedel
AR
Abrahão
adolescent victims; adult victims; alcohol and drugs; battered women; domestic violence; sexual assault