Domestic violence during pregnancy and its maternal and reproductive health consequences in mainland China: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: Not reported in abstract

• Effect Size: Substantial increased likelihood of adverse outcomes (specific effect sizes not reported in abstract)

• Primary Outcome: Pooled prevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy approximately 20%

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Psychological violence identified as most prevalent form; associations consistently observed across studies

• Confidence Interval: Not reported in abstract

Clinical Application

Screening protocols could be implemented in antenatal care settings with appropriate training and support services Findings support RACGP guidelines on family violence screening during pregnancy; relevant to multicultural Australian population including Chinese communities; aligns with National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children Pregnant women, particularly those with socio-economic disadvantage or restricted decision-making autonomy

Abstract

Domestic violence during pregnancy represents a serious public health concern. This study conducted a systematic review of quantitative data to examine its prevalence, factors influencing it, and associated health outcomes in Mainland China. Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, a meta-analysis of 25 studies was performed using random-effects models, alongside assessments of heterogeneity (I²) and publication bias. The analysis revealed a pooled prevalence of approximately 20%, with psychological violence identified as the most prevalent form. Key contributing factors included socio-economic disadvantage, restricted decisionmaking autonomy, and risky behaviors by partners. Exposure to domestic violence substantially heightened the likelihood of antenatal depression or anxiety, pregnancy complications, and negative birth outcomes such as low birth weight and preterm delivery. Although some heterogeneity was noted, the associations were consistently observed. These findings highlight the significant prevalence and severe health impacts of domestic violence during pregnancy, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive maternal healthcare approaches in China. Such strategies should integrate domestic violence screening, mental health services, and initiatives promoting socio-economic empowerment. La violence domestique pendant la grossesse constitue un problème de santé publique grave. Cette étude a réalisé une revue systématique des données quantitatives pour examiner sa prévalence, les facteurs l'influençant et les conséquences sanitaires associées en Chine continentale. Conformément aux directives PRISMA 2020, une méta-analyse de 25 études a été effectuée en utilisant des modèles à effets aléatoires, ainsi que des évaluations de l'hétérogénéité (I²) et du biais de publication. L'analyse a révélé une prévalence globale d'environ 20 %, la violence psychologique étant identifiée comme la forme la plus répandue. Les principaux facteurs contributifs comprenaient les désavantages socio-économiques, une autonomie décisionnelle restreinte et les comportements à risque des partenaires. L'exposition à la violence domestique augmentait considérablement la probabilité de dépression ou d'anxiété anténatales, de complications de la grossesse et d'issues défavorables à la naissance, telles qu'un faible poids de naissance et un accouchement prématuré. Bien qu'une certaine hétérogénéité ait été notée, les associations ont été constamment observées. Ces résultats soulignent la prévalence significative et les impacts sanitaires graves de la violence domestique pendant la grossesse, mettant en évidence le besoin urgent d'approches globales en matière de soins de santé maternelle en Chine. De telles stratégies devraient intégrer le dépistage de la violence domestique, des services de santé mentale et des initiatives favorisant l'autonomisation socio-économique.

References

1. 1.Cui, Y., Mohamad Aun, N. S., Mohamad, M. S., & Rajaratnam, S. (2026). Domestic violence during pregnancy and its maternal and reproductive health consequences in mainland China: A systematic review and meta-analysis. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 30(9). https://doi.org/10.29063/ajrh2026/v30i9.11