Risk factors, nature and severity of domestic violence among women attending antenatal clinic in Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the prevalence, types, severity and risk factors for domestic violence among women attending antenatal clinic.

Design: Cross sectional study.

Setting: The antenatal clinic, Mulago Hospital, the national referral hospital, Kampala, Uganda.

Subjects: Pregnant women (n = 379) attending the antenatal clinic, on their index visit.

Methods: Interviewer-administered pre-coded questionnaires about history of domestic violence during the index pregnancy (prevalence, nature, severity, and associated factors from socio-demographic history, reproductive history, childhood history and domicile); during the previous one year prior to the interview, or beyond the previous year.

Main outcome measures: History of domestic violence and its severity, type, risk factors and associated factors in the index pregnancy or prior to it.

Results: Over 57% of the subjects reported moderate-to-severe abuse due to domestic violence. Abuse in childhood and witnessing abuse in childhood were significantly associated with domestic violence in index pregnancy (p = 0.000). Staying with co-wife, adolescent pregnancy and the first pregnancy were significantly associated with domestic violence.

Conclusions: Domestic violence is common in pregnancy at Mulago; is moderate to severe and physical abuse is often associated with both sexual and psychological abuse.