Prevalence and Risk Factors of Domestic Violence in Primigravidae in Low Socio-Economic Areas of Hamedan, Iran

Background and Objective: Domestic violence against women is a major physical and mental health problem all across the globe. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of domestic violence in pregnancy, as well as its correlation with sociodemographic and psychological characteristics. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on ۳۶۰ pregnant women who were referred to the health care centers of Hamedan in ۲۰۲۲. Data were collected through a questionnaire that consisted of three parts: sociodemographic characteristics, psychological characteristics, and the questionnaire on domestic violence (Revised Conflict Tactics Scales OR CTS۲). Data analysis was performed in SPSS software (version ۲۰) using descriptive statistics, t-test, and Chi-square. Results: The overall Prevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy was ۵۸.۶%. The prevalence rates of emotional, sexual, and physical violence were obtained at ۴۶.۸%, ۳۱.۶%, and ۲۷.۷%, respectively. The level of education, occupation, wealth index, as well as alcohol and drug abuse, had a significant relationship with domestic violence (P<۰.۰۰۱). Domestic violence was significantly correlated with unplanned pregnancies (P<۰.۰۰۱), self-esteem (P<۰.۰۰۴), stress (P<۰.۰۰۱), social support (P<۰.۰۰۱), and prenatal depression (P<۰.۰۰۱). Conclusion: The results of this study pointed to a relatively high prevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy. Therefore, it is suggested that all prenatal care centers have a screening program to identify domestic violence. Moreover, it is recommended to educate health professionals and women at risk and implement support programs for injured women.

Keywords:

Domestic violence , Pregnant women , Psychological characteristics