Prevalence of violence against pregnant women and associated maternal and neonatal complications in Leon, Mexico

Abstract

Objectives: to determine the prevalence of violence against women and associated maternal and neonatal complications in a developing country setting.

Design: cross-sectional study using a face-to-face questionnaire.

Setting: postpartum area at a tertiary care referral hospital in Leon, Mexico.

Participants: 1623 postpartum women.

Data collection: women were recruited at 24-72 h post partum. The diagnosis and severity of violence were assessed using a modified questionnaire based on the Index of Spouse Abuse and Severity of Violence against Women Scale.

Findings: of 1623 women, 711 (43.8%) were diagnosed with violence during pregnancy; 563 (79.1%) experienced mild violence and 148 (20.9%) experienced severe violence. Of the women who experienced violence, 72.9% experienced psychological violence, 15.8% experienced physical violence and 11.3% experienced sexual violence. Maternal complications were higher in women who experienced violence (30.2% vs 23.6%, p = 0.004). Women who experienced sexual violence had more maternal complications (43.2%), and women who experienced psychological violence had more neonatal complications (54.2%).

Key conclusions: violence during pregnancy is quite common in the study setting. Maternal complications are higher in women who experience violence during pregnancy. The type of violence has different effects on maternal and neonatal health.

Implications for practice: it is recommended that pregnant women who are experiencing violence should be identified during antenatal care to avoid maternal or neonatal complications.