Evaluation of the Prevalence of Domestic Violence in Pregnant Women in Zahedan and Its Effects on Pregnancy Outcome

Abstract

Background: Domestic violence during pregnancy constitutes a significant risk factor for both maternal and child health, with potentially irreversible consequences. Objectives: Considering the importance of this issue in Zahedan city, the present research investigated the frequency, risk factors, and consequences of domestic violence against pregnant women in Zahedan city in 2017. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 400 pregnant women in the maternity ward of Ali Ibn Abi Taleb Hospital in Zahedan were randomly selected to be assessed for domestic violence. Participants completed a questionnaire that included demographic and clinical characteristics (including chief complaints upon admission) and the standard Persian questionnaire on violence against women by their spouses. The collected data were processed using SPSS statistical software. The data were analyzed using frequency distribution and the chi-square test. Results: Of the pregnant women, 83.7% reported experiencing domestic violence, with 72.5% experiencing all types of violence. Economic violence had the highest rate at 89.5%, followed by sexual violence (88.9%) and physical violence (85.9%). Domestic violence was significantly associated with income disparities between spouses (55%) and amniotic sac rupture (47.4%) (P = 0.05). A significant relationship was also found between domestic violence and adverse pregnancy outcomes (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Domestic violence is prevalent among pregnant women in Zahedan. It is more common among women with income disparities with their husbands. Economic violence is the most common form, followed by sexual violence. Experiences of domestic violence significantly increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.