Citation

Rishal P, Joshi SK, Lukasse M, Schei B, Swahnberg K. Glob. Health Action 2016; 9(1): e31838.

Affiliation

Department of Health and Caring Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Science, Linnaeus University , Kalmar , Sweden.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, Centre for Global Health Research (CGH) at Umeå University, Sweden, Publisher Co-Action Publishing)

DOI

10.3402/gha.v9.31838

PMID

28156974

Abstract

Background Domestic violence during pregnancy has detrimental effects on the health of the mother and the newborn. Antenatal care provides a 'window of opportunity' to identify and assist victims of domestic violence during pregnancy. Little is known about the experience, needs, and expectations from the women's perspective in relation to domestic violence in Nepal.

OBJECTIVE Our study aims to explore how women who have experienced domestic violence evaluate their antenatal care and their expectations and needs from health centers. Design Twelve in-depth interviews were conducted among women who had experienced domestic violence during pregnancy and utilized antenatal care. The women were recruited from two different organizations in Nepal.

RESULTS Women in our study concealed their experience of domestic violence due to fear of being insulted, discriminated, and negative attitudes of the health care providers. The women wished that the health care providers were compassionate and asked them about their experience, ensured confidentiality and privacy, and referred them to services that is free of cost.

CONCLUSIONS Findings from our study may help the health care providers to change their attitudes toward women survivors of domestic violence. Identifying and assisting these women through antenatal care could result in improved services for them and their newborns.

Language: en

Keywords

abuse in health care; domestic violence; help seeking; qualitative research; quality of care