Physical Violence by Partner during Pregnancy and Use of Prenatal Care in Rural India
2011

Impact of Partner Violence on Prenatal Care in Rural India

Sample size: 2877 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Alissa D. Koski, Rob Stephenson, Michael R. Koenig

Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

Hypothesis

How does physical violence during pregnancy affect the use of prenatal care among women in rural India?

Conclusion

Women who experienced physical violence during pregnancy were less likely to receive prenatal care and more likely to start care later in their pregnancy.

Supporting Evidence

  • 22.82% of women experienced physical violence during their most recent pregnancy.
  • Women who experienced violence were 20% less likely to receive prenatal care.
  • Only 26% of women who experienced violence received a home-based prenatal check-up.

Takeaway

If a pregnant woman is hurt by her partner, she might not go to the doctor for check-ups, which can be bad for her and her baby.

Methodology

Data were analyzed from the Indian National Family Health Survey and a follow-up survey, focusing on women who experienced physical violence during pregnancy.

Potential Biases

Under-reporting of domestic violence may occur due to social stigma.

Limitations

The study could not determine the exact timing of violence relative to prenatal care and relied on self-reported data.

Participant Demographics

The sample included rural married women aged 15-39, predominantly uneducated and Hindu, with a significant portion experiencing violence.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.80 (0.68-0.96)

Confidence Interval

95% CI 0.68-0.95

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

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