Effect of Domestic Violence on Pregnancy Outcomes among Pregnant Women Referring to Karaj Medical Centers

Domestic violence against pregnant women is an important health problem. Pregnant women who experience domestic violence are at risk of pregnancy complications. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of domestic violence on pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women referring to Karaj medical centers. This descriptive analytical study was conducted on 335 pregnant women during six months (2007-2008). Participants were recruited using convenience sampling method. Pregnant women with adverse pregnancy outcomes (n=168) were considered as cases and pregnant women with desirable pregnancy outcomes (n=167) were considered as controls. Data were collected through interviews with the participants using demographic data form، the domestic violence against pregnant women questionnaire، and adverse outcomes in pregnancy questionnaire. Data were analyzed in the SPSS using t-test، Chi-square and logistic regression. The prevalence of domestic violence in the case group was 30. 1%، including verbal-psychological (25. 1%)، sexual (22. 7%)، and physical (8. 4%) violences. The prevalence was 21. 8% in the control group، including verbal-psychological (14. 9%)، sexual (14. 6%)، and physical (3. 3%) violences. There were statistically significant differences between the total domestic violence rate (p=0. 002)، verbal-psychological (p > 0. 001)، sexual (p=0. 002)، and physical (p=0. 003) violences in the two groups. There was a significant relationship between verbal-psychological violence with low birth weight (OR= 3. 3; 95% CI: 1. 328-8. 593)، sexual violence with premature rupture of membranes (OR= 2. 67; 95% CI: 1-7. 09)، and physical violence with abortion after 12 week gestation (OR= 3. 56; 95% CI: 1. 15-11. 03). Regarding the results of this study، it seems that domestic violence against pregnant women increases adverse pregnancy outcomes. Therefore، screening and prevention programs focusing domestic violence in pregnancy may help to improve desirable pregnancy outcomes.