Document Type

Capstone Experience

Graduation Date

5-2020

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Health Promotion

First Committee Member

Dr. Shireen Rajaram

Second Committee Member

Dr. Lynette Smith

Third Committee Member

Dr. Joshua Dahlke

Fourth Committee Member

Dr. Carl Smith

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is increasingly understood as an important public health issue. It is well understood that intimate partner violence has many negative effects on its survivors ranging from physical to mental health conditions. The population of people who experience intimate partner violence and population of pregnant women are both vulnerable populations. Examining the two populations together demands a trauma-informed approach and an understanding of the intricacies of both pregnancy and intimate partner violence. While IPV has been studied among the pregnant population, intimate partner violence as it relates to the maternal fetal medicine (MFM) or high-risk pregnancy population is not yet well understood. The purpose of this study is to describe the prevalence and effects of IPV among the MFM population at the Methodist Perinatal Center in Omaha, NE. This study analyzed secondary data obtained through the Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) that was incorporated into the electronic medical record (EMR) at Methodist Perinatal Center. Data were input into SPSS from which descriptive statistics and a bivariate analysis (Chi square test) were entered. This study found that 5.6% of patients at Methodist Perinatal Center have experienced IPV. Further, this study found that seven maternal and fetal health outcomes are associated with IPV including: BMI ≥25, STI, psychiatric disorder, birth weight < 2.499kg, ultrasound anomaly, non-employer-based insurance (self-pay and Medicaid), and non-married status These results show that it is important to screen for IPV in the high-risk pregnancy setting. As this study shows that IPV occurs and negatively affects women and their children, there is a need for further research on the effects of IPV and development of interventions for the high-risk pregnant population.

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