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Prevalence of domestic violence and associated factors among pregnant women using the Brazilian Unified Health System: a cross-sectional study, Curitiba, 2018-2020

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Objective: To analyze prevalence and factors associated with domestic violence among pregnant women using the public health network of Curitiba, based on data from the Curitiba Maternal and Child Health Cohort project. Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study, conducted with pregnant women using the Brazilian Unified Health System in Curitiba between 2018 and 2020. Demographic, socioeconomic, emotional and obstetric variables were analyzed. The dependent variable was having experienced domestic violence (physical, psychological or sexual). Absolute and relative frequencies were calculated, and the chi-square test with Bonferroni correction was applied to select variables with a p-value<0.20. Independent associations were estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance, presenting prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: 194 pregnant women were analyzed. Prevalence of domestic violence was 27.5%, with 73.1% being physical and 75.0% psychological. Violence was associated with feelings of sadness (PR 2.83; 95%CI 1.46; 5.48; p-value 0.002), household arrangement (prevalence of violence was lower among pregnant women living with partners: PR 0.51; 95%CI 0.29; 0.92; p-value 0.025), and with intermediate gestational risk (PR 2.73; 95%CI 1.54; 4.84; p-value 0.011). Conclusion: Domestic violence was frequent among pregnant women using the public health network in Curitiba and was associated with emotional vulnerability, living without a partner, and intermediate gestational risk. These findings reinforce the need for intersectoral actions and psychological and social support during prenatal care in order to identify and manage violence.

Source: Epidemiologia e Serviços de Saúde

DOI: 10.1590/s2237-96222026v35e20250920.en

Authors: Julia Valoski, Ádelin Olívia Lopes Joly Rodrigues, Isabela Cristina Santos Freire de Paula, Renata Iani Wernek, Juliana Schaia Rocha Orsi

Institution: Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná

Language: English

Topic: Intimate Partner and Family Violence

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7171406086

FWCI: 4.673

Cites: 13

Cited by: 1

Related to: 10