August 22, 2023
by Audrey Smith
Intimate partner violence is a major public health concern in the United States and a leading cause of non-obstetric maternal morbidity and mortality. It can take many forms. Physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and patterns of behavior that seek to gain or maintain control over the partner.
Many experience intimate partner violence for the first time or experience an escalation of violence pregnant. A mother’s experience of being abused by her intimate partner related High preterm birth rate, low birth weight and low lactation rate. The risk of intimate partner homicide, the most serious outcome, also increases before and after pregnancy and childbirth. About 60% of homicides occur before and after pregnancy Those related to intimate partner violence. This provides healthcare providers with a unique and significant opportunity to screen pregnant patients and provide assistance during medical visits.
Since 2012, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has recommended regular screening for intimate partner violence during pregnancy and postpartum. Nevertheless, testing for intimate partner violence is not consistently offered to all patients of childbearing age.
Dr. Valerie Lewis
Valerie Lewis, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Health Policy and Management, recently published the first results of a series of research studies evaluating the role of health care providers in interventions for patients experiencing intimate partner violence. did. Lewis worked with collaborators at the University of Michigan and the University of Minnesota to analyze 2016-2019 data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment and Monitoring System (PRMS), which surveys postpartum individuals two to six months after giving birth. The PRAMS survey asked whether a partner or ex-partner had physically harmed the respondent in any way before or during pregnancy. The survey also asked whether she had pre-pregnancy, antenatal, and postnatal care in the 12 months. When reporting a visit to a health care facility, respondents were asked whether the health care worker was asked if someone had harmed them mentally or physically.
of studies found There are two main groups of people who have experienced intimate partner violence but aren’t being tested for it. The first group are those who have little opportunity for screening because they do not receive regular health care during pregnancy. People in this group are largely disadvantaged and disproportionately indigenous, Hispanic, rural, uninsured or on Medicaid. Her second group, which is not continuously tested, is generally more favorable and is mostly made up of white, married women with private insurance.
“There are many stereotypes and misconceptions about who experiences intimate partner violence,” Lewis says. “Our research highlights the need for both stronger policies to improve access to health care, and improved processes within health care to ensure that no one is overlooked when it comes to testing for intimate partner violence. We hope that the emphasis will help us improve our results.”
Risks are higher when dealing with intimate partner violence. Further research by Lewis and his collaborators will continue to explore the role the healthcare system can play in screening for intimate partner violence and improving patient outcomes.
Please contact the UNC Gillings International School of Public Health Communications Team at [email protected].
