Domestic violence and insufficient prenatal care.

Lorenzo Y.O.; Chung E.K.; Lopez M.C. · Ginecologia y Obstetricia de Mexico (2025) · DOI: 10.24245/gom.v93i5.10085

Resumen

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between domestic violence and inadequate prenatal care in postpartum patients treated at a national hospital in Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analytical case-control study conducted at the Sergio E. Bernales National Hospital in the district of Comas, Lima, Peru, during November and December 2023. The sample consisted of cases (postpartum patients with fewer than six prenatal visits during pregnancy, defined as inadequate prenatal care) and controls (postpartum patients with six or more prenatal visits during pregnancy, defined as adequate prenatal care). Study variables: domestic violence and number of prenatal care visits, considered inadequate if less than six, measured by a validated questionnaire. Associations between variables were assessed using Pearson's χ2, Fisher's exact test, linear trend χ2 test, and odds ratio, with 95% confidence intervals and p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 138 cases and 138 controls were examined. In relation to sociodemographic characteristics, school education was significantly associated with inadequate prenatal care. Forms of physical violence such as hitting, pushing, and falling were significantly associated with inadequate prenatal care. When these types of aggression were perpetrated by a partner or ex-partner, the risk of not receiving at least six prenatal care visits increased. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant association between physical, psychological, or sexual domestic violence and inadequate prenatal care.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos