Determination of awareness of health professionals about violence during pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: To determine the awareness of medical professionals about violence during pregnancy.

Methods: It was conducted in a Maternity Hospital, Izmir between 15^th November 2007- 15^th January 2008. 120 individuals participate in the research (midwives, nurses, doctors, N=160).

Results: All of the participants defined the violence during pregnancy as a health problem and 66.7% of them find themselves adequate to diagnose the symptoms of violence. Answers for the physical and psychological findings of violence were; 72.5% think of abuse when they see a bruise, bump or wound on pregnant women's body, 50.8%  don't think of abuse in case of insomnia complaint. Answers for pregnancy complications of violence were: 61.7% "sometimes" think of abuse in pregnant women who applied for preterm birth and 59.2%  don't think of abuse when fetus growth retardation is determined. Answers for questions about affectless use of healthy life behaviors of violence were; 55.0% "sometimes" think of abuse in pregnant women who applied for abortion and 60.8% don't think of abuse in the presence of genital infections in pregnant women.

Conclusion: Medical professionals have problems in diagnosing the violence during pregnancy and perceive violence as a health problem; insufficient action is taken against violence cases.