Risk factors, nature and severity of domestic violence among women attending antenatal clinic in Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence, types, severity and risk factors for domestic violence among women attending antenatal clinic.

DESIGN

Cross sectional study.

SETTING

The antenatal clinic, Mulago Hospital, the national referral hospital, Kampala, Uganda.

SUBJECTS

Pregnant women (n = 379) attending the antenatal clinic, on their index visit.

METHODS

Interviewer-administered pre-coded questionnaires about history of domestic violence during the index pregnancy (prevalence, nature, severity, and associated factors from socio-demographic history, reproductive history, childhood history and domicile); during the previous one year prior to the interview, or beyond the previous year.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

History of domestic violence and its severity, type, risk factors and associated factors in the index pregnancy or prior to it.

RESULTS

Over 57% of the subjects reported moderate-to-severe abuse due to domestic violence. Abuse in childhood and witnessing abuse in childhood were significantly associated with domestic violence in index pregnancy (p = 0.000). Staying with co-wife, adolescent pregnancy and the first pregnancy were significantly associated with domestic violence.

CONCLUSIONS

Domestic violence is common in pregnancy at Mulago; is moderate to severe and physical abuse is often associated with both sexual and psychological abuse.