Screening of Domestic Violence During Pregnancy

Abstract

Background: To determine the magnitude andprevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy.Methods In this descriptive study five hundred andsixty women who presented for routine antenatal check upwere interviewed. Physical abuse during pregnancy wasthe primary outcome measure as determined by theUSAID's domestic violence module 2011. Frequencies ofdifferent forms of abuse were measured.Results Physical abuse was recorded in 12.6%. Majority(88.5%) experienced multiple forms of abuse.Slapping(80%) was the commonest.Conclusion: Domestic violence during pregnancy, dueto its harmful feto-maternal implications, is an issuewhich needs to be addresse