Changing patterns of intimate partner violence against pregnant women: a three-year longitudinal study

Chen, X. Y., Lo, C. K.M., Ho, F. K., Leung, W. C., Ip, P. and Chang, K. L. (2022) Changing patterns of intimate partner violence against pregnant women: a three-year longitudinal study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(21), 14397. (doi: 10.3390/ijerph192114397) (PMID:36361277) (PMCID:PMC9656119)

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against pregnant women adversely impacts women’s and infants’ health. This study aims to provide longitudinal evidence regarding how pregnant women’s exposure to IPV changes over time. Additionally, we examine the risk and protective factors associated with these changes. In total, 340 pregnant women were recruited from an antenatal clinic in Hong Kong. IPV experiences and health conditions were assessed at pregnancy and at both 4 weeks and 3 years after childbirth. The women also reported adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), their family support, and perceived partner involvement. We found IPV prevalence among the study sample decreased from 22.9% before pregnancy to 13.5% during pregnancy, 14.7% at 4 weeks after childbirth, and 11.8% at 3 years after childbirth. We further found three types of IPV: 11.8% of women had a violent relationship (VR) persistently over time from pregnancy to 3 years after childbirth, 20.6% experienced decreased IPV (DVR), and 67.6% reported a nonviolent relationship (NVR) throughout the study period. VRs were associated with more severe mental health problems and higher ACEs. Family support and partner involvement may be protective factors for decreased IPV. Our present findings highlight the importance of identifying different IPV types over time to provide targeted intervention to the most vulnerable groups.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: The work described in this paper was supported by a grant from the Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China (Project No. PolyU 15602419) and the funding for Projects of Strategic Importance of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (Project Code: 1-ZE1R).
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ho, Dr Frederick

Creator Roles

Ho, F. K.: Writing – review and editing

• Authors: Chen, X. Y., Lo, C. K.M., Ho, F. K., Leung, W. C., Ip, P., and Chang, K. L.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
• Journal Name: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
• Publisher: MDPI
• ISSN: 1661-7827
• ISSN (Online): 1660-4601
• Published Online: 03 November 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19(21): 14397
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License