Citation

Han A, Stewart DE. Int. J. Gynaecol. Obstet. 2014; 124(1): 6-11.

Affiliation

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ijgo.2013.06.037

PMID

24182684

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.

Language: en