15. Domestic Violence as a Risk Factor for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy
Sumaira Yasmin, Tanveer Shafqat, Samina Sabir, Wajeeha Syed and Nazia Liaqat
ABSTRACT
Objective: This study aims to determine an association between domestic violence and increased risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy in our antenatal patients.
Study Design: Cross Sectional study
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynecology department, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar from March 2018 to February 2019.
Materials and Methods: Patients were recruited in third trimester of pregnancy by non-probability consecutive sampling after taking consent from ethical review board. Patients with a blood pressure of less than140/90 mmHg were normotensives and those above140/90 mmHg were considered as hypertensive. All patients meeting the inclusion criteria were interviewed for history of domestic violence according to a questionnaire. History of domestic violence encountered during last one year duration from the index pregnancy was obtained from hypertensive as well as normotensive antenatal patients. Type of domestic violence was ascertained whether they encountered physical, verbal (psychological) or sexual violence was recorded on a performa. Descriptive statistical analysis was done. Odds ratio with 95% CI was computed to determine the presence and strength of association between domestic violence and hypertension in pregnancy.
Results: Out of the total 228 patients, 114 were normotensives and 114 women were with hypertension in pregnancy. Both groups were comparable in their demographic characteristics of age, parity and level of education.Domestic violence was found in 55(48.24%) hypertensive patients and 49(42.6%) normotensives showing that percentage of hypertension is higher in those antenatal patients who has experienced domestic violence OR=1.423 (CI=0.844 -2.398).
Conclusion: Domestic violence is to be considered as a potential risk factor for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Pregnant women need to be screened for domestic violence so as to minimize the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Key Words: Domestic violence, Pregnancy, Gestational hypertension, Preeclampsia
Citation of article: Yasmin S. Shafqat T, Sabir S, Syed W, Liaqat N. Domestic Violence as a Risk Factor for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy. Med Forum 2021;32(3):64-69.