Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy And Its Adverse Outcomes

Abstract: Violence against women by their intimate partners (IPV) during pregnancy may lead to negative pregnancy outcomes. We assess the impact of intimate partner violence during pregnancy and its adverse outcomes. The Design: Retrospective study implemented in 14 primary health care centers (PHCCs) in Madinah Al-Menawarh city, KSA for 4 months. Methods: A total number of four hundred and four pregnant women between the age of 15 and 35 years old were included in this study. A pre-constructed interviewing questionnaire and Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST) were used for the purpose of data collection. Result: The findings revealed that there was a highly statistically significant association between exposure to IPV and adverse outcomes. Conclusion: IPV should be recognized as a potential cause of abortion, preterm birth and bleeding. Counseling of women experiencing abuse should be provided