Prevalence of intimate partner violence victimization among Korean perinatal women and associated factors

Abstract

Objective To determine the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and the factors associated with IPV during pregnancy and the early postnatal period in Korean community samples.

Methods We enrolled 5953 pregnant mothers and mothers with young children registered in the Early Life Health Management Program provided by 30 public health centers in Korea between 2020 and 2021. We used the Korean Hurt, Insult, Threaten, and Scream (K-HITS) questionnaire to measure IPV. Sociodemographic, social support, and psychosocial variables were collected using self-administered questionnaires. χ2 tests and multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted using SAS.

Results Using a cut-off score of 6 with K-HITS, the prevalence of IPV was 7.6%. According to multivariable logistic analyses, “have seen domestic violence during childhood or adolescence” (odds ratio [OR] 2.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.95–3.50), unplanned pregnancy (OR 2.18, 95% CI 1.73–2.75), depression during pregnancy (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.69–2.79), history of receiving treatment for emotional problems (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.07–2.20), and living in a rural area (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.01–2.29) increased the odds of IPV. “Having someone who talk to” was protective of IPV (for” “Not having someone to talk to”: OR 2.24, 95% CI 1.49–3.35).

Conclusions Policies to prevent and address IPV during the perinatal period are urgently needed in Korea.