Associations between intimate partner violence and adverse birth outcomes during pregnancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

BackgroundIntimate partner violence (IPV) has been associated with an elevated risk of multiple adverse birth outcomes, yet little is known about how specific IPV influences adverse birth outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the association between IPV during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes (i.e., preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth).MethodsSystematic searches were conducted using four databases: EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, and CINAHL for observational studies published from 1 January 2011 to 31 August 2021. Two reviewers independently carried out the literature search, study selection, data extraction, assessment of the study, and risk of bias assessment; disagreements were resolved by a third reviewer. A random-effect model was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for preterm birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. I2 statistic accompanied by chi-square p-value was used to assess heterogeneity, and funnel plot and Peter's test were used to assess publication bias.ResultsIn total, 23 studies met the inclusion criterion. IPV was associated with preterm birth (OR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.37–2.49; I2 = 88%), low birth weight (OR = 2.73; 95% CI: 1.66–4.48; I2 = 95%), and stillbirth (OR = 1.74; 95% CI: 0.86–3.54; I2 = 64%). We attained comparable results among all specific IPV including physical, sexual, emotional, and mixed.ConclusionIntimate partner violence and specific IPV during pregnancy were significantly associated with adverse birth outcomes, especially for physical IPV. An urgent need for greater action to prevent or intervene in IPV during pregnancy is warranted.Systematic review registrationCRD42021282936, https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/.

Comparison of maternal-fetal attachment, anxiety, depression, and prevalence of intimate partner violence in Iranian women with intended and unintended pregnancy: a cross-sectional study

“…Domestic violence during pregnancy can have significant adverse impacts on both the woman and her newborn child [ 51 ]. Studies have shown it can lead to psychological issues for the woman, as well as disruptions in birth outcomes like low birth weight and preterm delivery [ 52 , 53 ]. Notably, emotional form of domestic violence during pregnancy appear to increase the woman’s risk of developing conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and depression [ 54 ].…”

Integrated domestic violence and reproductive health interventions in India: a systematic review

“…Domestic violence during pregnancy (DVDP) and related types of violence have been associated with multiple adverse health outcomes such as hypertension [ 31 ] and labor and delivery complications [ 32 ]. DVDP has been linked to low birth weight [ 32 – 34 ], induced and spontaneous abortion [ 35 ], miscarriages [ 3 , 6 , 12 , 36 ], stillbirth [ 37 , 38 ], under-5 mortality [ 39 , 40 ], and preterm labor [ 34 , 41 ]. DVDP has also been linked to poor utilization of healthcare services such as delayed entry into antenatal care/immunization, decreased rest, and decreased food intake [ 42 ].…”