PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DURING PREGNANCY AND POSTPARTUM: A STUDY OF WOMEN ASSISTED BY THE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM IN CURITIBA, BRAZIL

INTRODUCTION: Domestic violence is a public health issue with high prevalence in Brazil and worldwide, being particularly concerning in the context of pregnancy, when women face multiple vulnerabilities. AIMS: To analyze the prevalence and factors associated with domestic violence against women during pregnancy and postpartum, among mothers of 1-year-old babies assisted by the public health system in Curitiba. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional observational study nested within the Maternal and Child Health Cohort of Curitiba (COOSMIC). Data from 244 women interviewed during prenatal care and one year after the child’s birth, in public health units, were analyzed. Women with complete data on the experience of domestic violence at both time points were included. Independent variables comprised sociodemographic characteristics, presence of mental disorders, food insecurity, family composition, perceived income, and social support network. Data were analyzed using absolute and relative frequencies, with Pearson’s Chi-square test applied (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Approximately 24.5% of participants reported experiencing domestic violence during pregnancy, a percentage that decreased to 16.2% at the follow-up interview in the child’s first year of life, suggesting possible changes in perception or understanding of the phenomenon. During pregnancy, the most frequently reported types of violence were physical (44.0%) and psychological (44.4%), whereas in the postpartum period psychological violence predominated (28.0%). Statistical analyses revealed significant associations between the experience of domestic violence and different contextual factors. During pregnancy, associations were observed with food insecurity (p < 0.001), diagnosis of anxiety (p < 0.001), depression (p = 0.001), stress (p < 0.001), and not living with a partner (p = 0.003). At the follow-up in the child’s first year of life, significant associations remained with food insecurity (p = 0.004), perception of insufficient income (p = 0.005), receipt of Bolsa Família benefits (p < 0.001), not living with a partner (p < 0.001), and lack of a support network (p < 0.001). FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: The results of this study highlight the high prevalence of domestic violence among pregnant and postpartum women assisted by Curitiba’s public health system, with emphasis on psychological violence, either isolated or combined with other forms of abuse. The reduction in reports during the child’s first year may reflect both real changes and variations in perception or willingness to report. Significant associations were identified between the experience of violence and factors such as food insecurity, absence of a partner, previous mental disorders, perception of insufficient income, and receipt of social benefits. These findings reinforce the interrelationship between domestic violence and multiple vulnerabilities, underscoring the importance of integrated public policies to expand protection, mental health care, and social support for women throughout the pregnancy-postpartum cycle.

KEYWORDS: Domestic Violence; Pregnancy; Postpartum; Social Vulnerability; Public Health.