A cross-sectional study of intimate partner violence and associated factors in women with high-risk pregnancies: Implications for perinatal care in a tertiary obstetrics hospital.

OBJECTIVE

This study estimates the prevalence of intimate partner violence during pregnancy (IPVP) and identifies associated psychosocial and mental health factors among women with high-risk pregnancies.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 199 women with high-risk pregnancies attending a tertiary obstetrics and gynecology hospital. Convenience sampling was used between May and September 2024. Validated questionnaires were administered to assess partner violence, adverse childhood experiences, social support, gender roles, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Statistical analysis included χ2 and Fisher's exact tests, Spearman's correlation, and binomial and multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

The prevalence of IPVP was 21.5%, with 8.2% of cases classified as severe. Psychological violence was the most frequent subtype (33.1%). In bivariate analysis, depressive and anxiety symptoms were independently associated with IPVP, with odds ratios [OR] of 4.53 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.58-12.97) and 3.03 (95% CI 1.44-6.36). Variables that reached statistical significance in the bivariate analysis were entered into a multiple logistic regression model, and backward elimination was used to remove non-significant variables and derive the final model. In the final multivariate model, low social support (OR = 7.95, 95% CI 3.04-20.78) and partner alcohol consumption (OR = 7.31, 95% CI 2.02-26.43) emerged as the strongest associated factors.

CONCLUSION

Among women with high-risk pregnancies, IPVP remains an important public health problem. Strengthening support networks and implementing routine psychosocial and mental health screening within obstetric care might improve the identification of women experiencing violence and inform prevention and support strategies aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes.