The prevalence of domestic violence and its correlation with family factors: A cross-sectional study among pregnant women in urban communities of Hengyang City, China
Abstract BackgroundDomestic violence (DV) against pregnant women is a serious public health problem that affects the health of the women’s children. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and correlation between family factors and DV among women in late pregnancy. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted from July-October, 2019 among pregnant women in urban communities of Hengyang City, Hunan Province, China. A total of 813 participants were included by a multi-staged cluster random sampling method. DV was assessed by the Abuse Assessment Screen Questionnaire (AAS). A binary logistic regression model was used to evaluate the relationship between family factors and DV. ResultsUltimately, 127 (15.62%) participants were identified as victims of DV. After adjustment, the potential risk factors of DV were strained relations with their mother-in-law and other family members (OR: 6.59; 95% CI: 3.28 to 13.24 and OR: 6.32; 95% CI: 3.28 to 12.16), medium household debt (OR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.22 to 3.85), separation (OR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.19 to 3.14), partner’s extramarital relations (OR: 4.94; 95% CI: 1.19 to 13.58), and middle and low family APGAR (OR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.47 to 3.46 and OR: 5.36; 95% CI: 2.95 to 9.76). ConclusionsIn summary, the correlation between DV and family factors may help medical personnel intervene in cases of domestic violence against pregnant women in a reasonable and timely manner.