ISSN 2756-3332
African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery ISSN 2198-4638 Vol. 2 (3), pp. 082-085, March, 2015. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
An assessment of the degree of domestic violence against pregnant women at Nsanje District Hospital in the Southern Region of Malawi
*1Sosten Chasowa, Paul K. Kandodo2, Jack R. M2 and Robert Kambalu1
1Department of Community and Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing, University of Malawi, Zomba, Malawi.
2Department of Maternal and Child Health, Faculty of Nursing, Mzuzu University, Mzuzu, Malawi
*Corresponding Author E-mail: [email protected]
Accepted 27 February, 2015
Abstract
Domestic violence against pregnant women exists in Malawi but its magnitude was unknown due to scanty published data on the subject. The aim of the study was to determine the magnitude of Domestic Violence against pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Nsanje District Hospital in the Southern Region of Malawi. The study design was descriptive quantitative using a random sample of 292 pregnant women. A structured questionnaire was administered to each pregnant woman that consented to participate in the study. The findings indicate that the majority (59%) of women was psychologically, physically and sexually abused during pregnancy. There was a significant association (P<0.05) between domestic violence and witnessing abuse as a child in the home. In addition, domestic violence also showed significant association (P<0.05) with a woman being pregnant. However there was no significant association (P>0.05) between domestic violence and other demographic variables of age, low education level and low income. Community awareness creation on domestic violence, strengthening of the victim support unit and training of health workers to screen and counsel victims of domestic violence during antenatal care education is recommended.
Keywords: Domestic violence, pregnancy, physical abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse.