scholarly journals Depression remains a neglected public health problem among pregnant women in Northwest Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Getnet Mihretie Beyene ◽  
Telake Azale ◽  
Kassahun Alemu Gelaye ◽  
Tadesse Awoke Ayele

Abstract Background Antenatal depression is highly prevalent but a neglected public health problem in low income countries. It has serious effects on the general health of women, birth outcomes and child health. However, there has been limited substantial evidence on the prevalence and predictors of antenatal depression in Ethiopia. This lack of evidence potentiates the consequences of the problem and can limit the attention to intervention. Thus, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and potential predictors of antenatal depression at Debre Tabor and Woreta towns, Northeast Ethiopia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was employed on 548 pregnant women recruited by a cluster sampling method. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). The List of Threatening Experiences Questionnaire (LTE-Q), the Oslo-3 Social Support Scale (OSSS-3), Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Scale and Fast Alcohol Screening Test (FAST) were also used to measure stressful events, social support, intimate partner violence (IPV) and hazardous alcohol use respectively. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with antenatal depression. Results The prevalence of antenatal depression was found to be 24.45% (95% CI: 21.20, 28.30%). Being single (AOR =3.32, 95% CI = 1.36, 8.09); fear of pregnancy complication (AOR = 3.84, 95% CI = 1.53,9.62); history of chronic illness (AOR = 8.14, 95% CI = 2.14, 30.91); unplanned pregnancy (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.36,6.55); history of stillbirth (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI = 1.23, 10.29),one or more negative life events (AOR = 4.06, 95% CI = 1.71, 9.66) and intimate partner violence (AOR = 3.91, 95% CI = 1.65, 9.26) were factors significantly associated with antenatal depression. Conclusion Nearly a quarter of pregnant women suffer from depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Being single; fear of pregnancy complication; history of chronic illness; unplanned pregnancy; history of stillbirth; one or more negative life events and intimate partner violence were important predictors of antenatal depression in this study. Health care workers should consider addressing these risk factors during a routine antenatal care. Also, integrating early screening, detection, and treatment of antenatal depression into routine antenatal care is warranted to improve the quality of life of pregnant women and pregnancy outcomes as well.

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 ◽  
pp. 132-137
Author(s):  
ANITA NATH ◽  
SHUBHASHREE VENKATESH ◽  
J. VINDHYA ◽  
SHEEBA BALAN ◽  
CHANDRA S. METGUD

Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) is recognized as an important public health problem globally as well as in India. It may result in adverse physical and mental health consequences for the victim or unfavourable pregnancy outcomes if it happens during pregnancy. The possible risk factors for IPV can be explained by four levels of ecological factors: individual, partner, household and community. We estimated the prevalence of IPV and its association with selected ecological risk factors among pregnant women availing of antenatal care at a public sector hospital in Bengaluru, southern India. Methods We included 350 women above the age of 18 years with a confirmed pregnancy of less than 24 weeks and having no obstetric complication. We used the Conflict Tactics Scale to determine the presence of IPV. The risk factors measured were—individual level: respondent’s age, education, occupation, gravidity, planned or unplanned pregnancy, substance abuse, presence of depression and anxiety; partner-related: spouse’s education, occupation and marital discord; household/community-related: socioeconomic status, social support, religion and consanguinity. Results The prevalence of IPV was 3.7%. Factors that were significantly associated on multivariate analysis were higher age (above 20 years) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.82 [1.12–2.97], p=0.016) and presence of depression (AOR 6.84 [1.76–26.61], p=0.005). Conclusion The prevalence of IPV was less in our study population compared to figures reported from other Indian study settings.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Girmay Adhena ◽  
Lemessa Oljira ◽  
Yadeta Dessie ◽  
Hagos Degefa Hidru

Background. Intimate partner violence during pregnancy is the most common and major public health problem and human rights issue worldwide and has a negative effect on the lives of both mother and fetus. Despite its prominence, this issue has received little attention in Ethiopia as well as many sub-Saharan African countries. This study assessed the magnitude of intimate partner violence and associated factors among pregnant women in Ofla District, Tigray, Ethiopia. Methods. A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to 30, 2019, among 543 pregnant women who visited antenatal care in the health facilities. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Pretested, interviewer-administered data collection was done using a standardized World Health Organization multicountry questionnaire for women’s health and domestic violence against women. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were carried out to identify factors associated with violence. p value was set at p<0.05. Results. The overall prevalence of intimate partner violence during the current pregnancy was 37.5%: psychological (25.1%), sexual (17.7%), and physical violence (13.4%). Violence was associated with unplanned pregnancy ((AOR = 4.56, 95% CI: (2, 10.28)), unmarried women ((AOR = 2.59, 95% CI: (1.18, 5.73)), having alcoholic partner ((AOR = 3.3, 95% CI: (2.1, 5.16)), spouse’s multiple sexual partners status ((AOR = 5.1, 95% CI: (2.2, 12)), acceptance of violence by women ((AOR = 1.85, 95% CI: (1.1, 3.16)), low decision-making power of women ((AOR = 2.64, 95% CI: (1.6, 4.3)), and no interest in current pregnancy by partner ((AOR = 5.9, 95% CI: (2.36, 14.9)). Conclusions. More than one-third of pregnant women experienced intimate partner violence during a recent pregnancy. This is high and may lead to health consequences for both mothers and fetuses. Addressing gender inequitable norms, the culture of silence (support) to intimate partner violence in the community and women’s reproductive health information through intervention measures are very important to minimize the problem.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-5 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Epuitai ◽  
Samson Udho ◽  
Anna Grace Auma ◽  
Rose Chalo Nabirye

Background: Intimate partner violence may be more prevalent during pregnancy as women are more vulnerable. Aims: To determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence and associated factors among pregnant women at Soroti Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 180 pregnant women. Data were collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Intimate partner violence was measured using the revised Conflict Tactile Scale 2. Findings: The overall prevalence of intimate partner violence during pregnancy was 27.8%. Household average monthly income, experiences of intimate partner violence before pregnancy and marital conflicts were independently associated with intimate partner violence during pregnancy. Conclusions: Screening should be done during antenatal care among women with low household income, marital conflicts, and history of intimate partner violence before pregnancy to identify and manage cases of intimate partner violence. More research is needed to identify interventions for reduction of intimate partner violence during pregnancy.


2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 132
Author(s):  
Muslimah Yusof ◽  
Azah Abdul Samad ◽  
Maisarah Omar ◽  
Noor Ani Ahmad

INTRODUCTION: Unplanned pregnancy is a major public health concern globally. Numerous studies found various factors that can predict or determine unplanned pregnancy. However, there were no studies that reported this problem in Malaysia. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of unplanned pregnancy in Malaysia and the associated factors.METHODS: This nationwide cross-sectional study targeted to women at postpartum period at government primary health care clinics throughout Malaysia. Structured questionnaire with face-to-face interview was used for data collection. The factors studied included mothers’ age, husband’s age, ethnicity, religion, marital status, education, occupation, household income, polygamous marriage, family support, contraception used, and disagreement of husband on contraception, smoking and alcohol consumption. History of emotional, physical and sexual intimate partner violence (IPV) were also studied.RESULTS: A total of 5727 Malaysian postpartum mothers were involved in this survey. The prevalence of unplanned pregnancy was 42.9% (95% CI: 38.6, 47.4). The multivariate logistic regression revealed that older mothers aged 45-49 years old (aOR: 8.010; 95%CI: 1.909, 33.013) and Muslim mothers (aOR: 2.465; 95%CI: 1.432-4.241) were significantly associated with unplanned pregnancy. In terms of household income, mothers with less than RM1000 per month were 1.712 (95% CI: 1.080, 2.713) times more likely to have unplanned pregnancy. The other significant associated factor was history of emotional intimate partner violence; aOR [1.720 (95% CI: 1.011, 2.925)].CONCLUSIONS: Unplanned pregnancies were observed to be higher among older Muslim women from low income family. A possibility of unmet need for family planning should be considered and appropriate intervention strategies planned for these at-risk population. 


2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (2) ◽  
pp. 31
Author(s):  
Abayomi Olusola Ayodapo ◽  
Olutoyin O Sekoni ◽  
Michael C Asuzu

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem. Despite being a phenomenon that occurs globally, few studies have reviewed the issue of intimate partner violence among pregnant women as it relates to disclosure of abuse. This study sets out to determine the prevalence and pattern of disclosure of intimate partner violence among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Oyo East Local Government of Oyo State. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study among pregnant women aged 18–49 years. A total of 350 pregnant women in the sole secondary health care facility and 3 out of the 18 primary health care facilities randomly selected by balloting were consecutively recruited. A pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO Multi-Country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence was used to collect data. Data were analysed with SPSS® version 16. Results: Of 252 (72.0%) women who had been exposed to violence by their partner in pregnancy, 72 (28.6%) disclosed their IPV experience. The experience was disclosed to relatives, friends and religious leaders. Of the 72 that disclosed their IPV experience, 31 (43.1%) reported for the purpose of seeking redress through religious or local leaders, healthcare professionals and law enforcement agencies. Conclusion: Intimate partner violence is common among pregnant women, but a culture of silence still persists, making identification of the exposed difficult. These data may encourage healthcare providers to include screening for IPV in the curriculum of the antenatal care. (Full text of the research articles are available online at www.medpharm.tandfonline.com/ojfp) S Afr Fam Pract 2017; DOI: 10.1080/20786190.2016.1272245


Author(s):  
Chitra Tomy ◽  
Minu Rose Mani ◽  
Sr. Deepa ◽  
Sr. Ann Christy ◽  
Avita Rose Johnson

Background: Intimate partner violence is a global phenomenon with 30% of women having faced physical or sexual violence by a partner in their lifetime. Rural women with poor access to health services and counselling, often suffer in silence. Intimate partner violence during pregnancy has a negative effect on maternal and foetal outcomes. The aims of the study were to estimate the prevalence of intimate partner violence among pregnant women availing antenatal care services in a rural area of South India in current pregnancy and in the past 12 months, and to study the various socio-demographic factors associated with intimate partner violence.Methods: A cross sectional study was done among antenatal women availing services at a rural maternity hospital, using a questionnaire based on NFHS-3, to document physical, emotional and sexual domains of intimate partner violence.Results: Among 150 pregnant women aged 18-29 years, the prevalence of any form of intimate partner violence was 30.7% in the past 12 months before pregnancy (physical 10.7%, sexual 2%, and emotional 26%), and 2.7%. in current pregnancy. Lower educational status of husband and wife, history of alcohol consumption, tobacco usage and unplanned pregnancy were all significantly associated with increased intimate partner violence.Conclusions: Routine antenatal care provides an opportunity to screen women for intimate partner violence, especially those with risk factors like lower level of education, unplanned pregnancy as well as alcohol and tobacco consumption by the husband, which were found to be significantly associated with intimate partner violence in our study.


2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052199745
Author(s):  
Ko Ling Chan ◽  
C. K. M. Lo ◽  
Y. Lu ◽  
Frederick K. Ho ◽  
Wing Cheong Leung ◽  
...  

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against pregnant women is a global public health problem. Yet, the trajectory of IPV during pregnancy and its association with health are unclear. This study set out to investigate the trajectory of IPV by categorizing pregnant women according to changes of IPV exposure before, during, and after pregnancy and to examine the predictive factors of these IPV-related categories. During 2016 and 2017, we conducted a longitudinal study with a sample of 1,083 pregnant women in Hong Kong. Pregnant women reported their IPV experiences, depression, and demographics in the baseline survey (at about 24-week gestation), and their IPV experiences, mental health outcomes, social support, and perceived father’s involvement in the follow-up survey (around 4 weeks postpartum). We categorized pregnant women into four groups, including women with (a) sustaining abusive relationship (AR); (b) relationship with decreased violence over pregnancy (DVR); (c) relationship with stress-related violence (SVR); and (d) nonviolent relationship (NVR). Although we found an overall decline of IPV during pregnancy from 24.6% to 14.3%, there were still a considerable proportion of women reporting as a victim of IPV. We observed that a higher proportion of pregnant women were actually suffering from IPV during pregnancy and after childbirth continuously (22.3% of AR and SVR) than experiencing a termination of IPV due to pregnancy (11.4% of DVR). We also observed that more severe maternal depression, lower levels of father’s involvement, and poorer social support were significantly associated with the categories that reflected greater severity of IPV over the course of pregnancy. Our findings reflected that the complexity of IPV related to pregnancy should never be overlooked. Mere reporting of prevalence in an aggregate might not sufficiently explain the problem. Father’s involvement and social support are two important factors that might help reduce IPV related to pregnancy and childbirth.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 4205-4216
Author(s):  
Shirley Evelyn Lennon ◽  
Adriana María Ramírez Aramburo ◽  
Eliana Maritza Morales Garzón ◽  
María Adelaida Arboleda ◽  
Andrés Fandiño-Losada ◽  
...  

Abstract Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a human rights violation and a serious global public health problem. This study investigated factors associated with IPV in female survivors in Colombia. Four focus group discussions with female survivors of IPV and 15 key informant interviews with professionals from psychological, social and legal services and community leaders were conducted in Cali and Tuluá. Participant recruitment was via purposive sampling. Transcripts were analysed manually taking a social constructivist standpoint and a content analysis approach. Factors associated with IPV were divided into four themes: cultural beliefs, jealousy, alcohol abuse, and personal history of IPV. The first theme was divided into: patriarchy, gender roles, normalisation of violence, and unawareness of rights, economic dependence, and ‘men own women’. The sub-themes were all inter-related and underpinned by patriarchal values. IPV was described as a sociocultural construction formed by patriarchal values ingrained in community and societal norms and individual processes. Therefore, academia, governmental and non-governmental bodies and society are urged to together, create preventative, context specific strategies for individuals, communities and societies.


2015 ◽  
Vol 63 (3) ◽  
pp. 517-525
Author(s):  
Maria Himelda Ramírez Rodríguez ◽  
Gladys Rocío Ariza Sosa

<p><strong>Resumen</strong></p><p>Este artículo de opinión relaciona diferentes matices de la violencia en las relaciones de pareja como problema de salud pública con énfasis en sus dimensiones políticas en Colombia a partir de los resultados de varios ejercicios investigativos de las autoras que abarcan una revisión bibliográfica narrativa exhaustiva, la observación profesional sistemática, los diálogos y consultas con especialistas de diferentes campos, la participación en distintos proyectos de investigación y en escenarios de activismo. La pregunta por la salud del amor en Colombia interroga las elecciones que concurren en las decisiones de conformar parejas, el cómo afrontar escenarios de conflicto, infligir y tolerar tratos que pueden devenir en violencia. Ello en relación con las dimensiones culturales y subjetivas, lo cual incluye el cuestionamiento a las masculinidades hegemónicas, signadas por una historia de más de sesenta años de violencia en Colombia y las inequidades de género entrecruzadas con las económicas.</p><p>La violencia en las relaciones de pareja en Colombia se ha venido constituyendo en un problema político que merece atención social y estatal, en un ambiente complejo de confrontaciones entre las tradiciones patriarcales que desestiman su relevancia y las transformaciones propiciadas por los movimientos feministas en alianza con otros sectores sociales que pretenden posicionarla como un inadmisible ético, lo cual significa avanzar en la construcción de las violencias contra las mujeres como un intolerable.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>Palabras clave:</strong> Violencia contra la mujer; Problemas sociales; Violencia; Feminismo; Género y salud (DeCS).</p><br /><p><strong>Summary</strong></p><p>This opinion paper articulates different nuances of intimate partner violence as a public health problem with emphasis in its political dimensions in Colombia, as a result of several researches of the authors that involve a narrative review, the systematic professional observation, the dialogues and consultations with specialists from different fields, the participation in various research projects and social activism scenarios. The initial question is: what happens to the health of love in Colombia? This means thinking about the reasons to begin intimate relationships, how to face conflicts and how to decide to inflict or tolerate abuse that could unleash on violence. This is in relation to the subjective and cultural dimensions, which include questioning of the hegemonic masculinities, influenced by a history of more than sixty years of violence in Colombia and the gender inequities intertwined with economic ones. The intimate partner violence in Colombia has become a political and social problem that deserves governmental and social attention in a complex environment of confrontations between patriarchal traditions that underestimate its relevance and the transformations prompted by the feminist movement in alliance with other social sectors, that intend to position it as an ethical inadmissible problem, which means to go further in the construction of violence against women as an intolerable issue.</p><p><strong>Key words:</strong> Social problems; Violence, Feminism, Gender relations (MeSH).</p>


2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 104-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Enrique Gracia ◽  
Marisol Lila ◽  
Faraj A. Santirso

Abstract. Attitudes toward intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) are increasingly recognized as central to understanding of this major social and public health problem, and guide the development of more effective prevention efforts. However, to date this area of research is underdeveloped in western societies, and in particular in the EU. The present study aims to provide a systematic review of quantitative studies addressing attitudes toward IPVAW conducted in the EU. The review was conducted through Web of Science, PsychINFO, Medline, EMBASE, PUBMED, and the Cochrane Library, in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. This review aimed to identify empirical studies conducted in the EU, published in English in peer-reviewed journals from 2000 to 2018, and analyzing attitudes toward IPVAW. A total of 62 of 176 eligible articles were selected according to inclusion criteria. Four sets of attitudes toward IPVAW were identified as the main focus of the studies: legitimation, acceptability, attitudes toward intervention, and perceived severity. Four main research themes regarding attitudes toward IPVAW emerged: correlates of attitudes, attitudes as predictors, validation of scales, and attitude change interventions. Although interest in this research area has been growing in recent years, the systematic review revealed important gaps in current knowledge on attitudes toward IPVAW in the EU that limits its potential to inform public policy. The review outlines directions for future study and suggests that to better inform policy making, these future research efforts would benefit from an EU-level perspective.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document