Gestational weight gain differentials in the presence of intimate partner violence.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether gestational weight gain (GWG) during pregnancy is linked to intimate partner violence (IPV).

METHODS

A total of 394 women being delivered at term at Rio de Janeiro public maternities from March to October 2000 were randomly selected. The Revised Conflict Tactics Scales were used to assess IPV and GWG was expressed through the Net Weight Gain (NWG) indicator. Multiple linear regression was used to control for socioeconomic, demographic, reproductive, and nutritional confounding factors, as well as lifestyle factors such as alcohol, drug, and tobacco consumption.

RESULTS

Even after adjustment, increased physical abuse from male partners was statistically associated with lesser weight gain during pregnancy. Compared with women unexposed to IPV, those with the highest physical abuse score showed deficits of 3245 g and 3959 g, respectively, according to 2 models that did and did not control for lifestyles factors.

CONCLUSION

Physical violence between intimate partners constitutes an independent risk factor for GWG deficit during pregnancy.