Domestic violence during pregnancy in Uganda: the social context, biomedical consequences and relationship with induced abortion

Abstract

Background: The 2000/2001 Uganda Demographic and Health Surveillance report indicated that domestic violence, unwanted pregnancies and induced abortion were common reproductive health problems in Uganda. Women’s and men’s perception of domestic violence or linkage of violence to reproductive ill-health was not known as no prior studies had explored pregnancy-related adverse effects. Objectives: The general objective was to investigate the social context and biomedical consequences of domestic violence during pregnancy. Specifically, the objectives were to determine the prevalence and predictors of domestic violence during pregnancy; explore community perceptions of factors associated with domestic violence in Wakiso District of Uganda; explore pregnant adolescents’ experiences and coping strategies regarding violence; investigate association between pregnancy intention, domestic violence and induced abortion; and investigate whether domestic violence during pregnancy is associated with obstetric complications (leading to antepartum hospitalization) or low birth weight (LBW) delivery.