Han A, Stewart DE. Maternal and fetal outcomes of intimate partner violence associated with pregnancy in the Latin American and Caribbean region.
Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2013;
124:6-11. [PMID:
24182684 DOI:
10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.06.037]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2013] [Revised: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Very high rates of intimate partner violence during pregnancy (IPV-P) are reported in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) but data on prevalence and obstetric-related outcomes are limited.
OBJECTIVES
To conduct a literature review on risk factors, prevalence, and adverse obstetric-related outcomes of IPV-P in LAC.
SEARCH STRATEGY
Systematic review of studies in MEDLINE (1946-2012) and LILACS (1982-2012), and hand searching of reference lists of included studies. Search terms were variations of partner abuse and pregnancy in LAC.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Studies were excluded if they did not include IPV-P prevalence or if the perpetrator was not an intimate partner.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Study quality was assessed via US Preventive Services Task Force criteria.
MAIN RESULTS
In the 31 studies included, prevalence rates ranged from 3% to 44%. IPV-P was significantly associated with unintended pregnancies and adverse maternal (depression, pregnancy-related symptom distress, inadequate prenatal care, vaginal bleeding, spontaneous abortion, gestational weight gain, high maternal cortisol, hypertension, pre-eclampsia, STIs) and infant (prematurity, low birth weight, neonatal complications, stillbirth) outcomes (grade II-2 and 3 evidence).
CONCLUSIONS
IPV-P is highly prevalent in LAC, with poor obstetric-related outcomes. Clinicians must identify women experiencing IPV-P and institute appropriate interventions and referrals to avoid its deleterious consequences.
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