BackgroundViolence against pregnant women is an increasing public health concern particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The purpose of this study was to measure the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy and the risk of adverse birth outcomes.MethodsProspective cohort study of 1276 pregnant women in Dong Anh district, Vietnam. Women with gestational age less than 24 weeks were enrolled and interviewed. Repeated interviews were performed at 30–34 weeks gestation to assess experience of IPV during pregnancy and again 48 hours post-delivery to assess the birth outcome including birth weight and gestational age at delivery.ResultsThere was a statistically significant association between exposure to physical violence during pregnancy and preterm birth (PTB) or low birth weight (LBW). After adjustment for age, education, occupation, body mass index (BMI), haemoglobin level, previous adverse pregnancy outcomes, the pregnant women who were exposed to physical violence during pregnancy were five times more likely to have PTB (AOR = 5.5; 95%CI: 2.1–14.1) and were nearly six times more likely to give birth to a child of LBW (AOR = 5.7; 95%CI: 2.2–14.9) as compared to those who were not exposed to physical violence.ConclusionExposure to IPV during pregnancy increases the risk of PTB and LBW. Case-finding for violence in relation to antenatal care may help protect pregnant women and improve pregnancy outcomes.

Africa and Asia are among the regions with the highest rates of child sexual abuse (CSA) in the world. They also share the highest proportion of children under 18 with Asia alone accounting for 24% of children under 14 years of age and about 41% of the African population are under the age of 15. Despite the magnitude of the problem, few studies have investigated CSA in these regions hence limiting appropriate and timely response. Objectives: To describe the prevalence and patterns of child sexual abuse in Africa and Asia. Methods: This was a literature review study. Electronic database search was performed to select relevant materials on CSA published between 2000 and 2018. Electronic search articles were included in the review after screening for inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: The study showed prevalence of CSA (broadly and narrowly defined) in Africa to be from 2.1%-68.7% for females in Tanzania and Ethiopia and 4.1%-60% for males in South Africa. The prevalence in Asia ranges from 3.3%-42.7% for females in China and India respectively and 4.3%-58% for males in Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. The rates for contact CSA among females in Asia are from 1.9%-59.2% in China and India and 1.8%-9.1% for males in China while for non-contact abuse ranges from 1.8%-28.7% for females in China and India and 3.1%-29.4% for males in China. The findings in both regions suggest high risk of victimization in pre-pubertal and late adolescent, however, pre-pubertal victimization is much higher in Africa. Victim's home and public area found to be high risk places for abuse in both regions. Relatives comprise common perpetrators in Asia while friends were most cited in Africa. Conclusions: The results highlight high rate of CSA in Africa and Asia calling for comprehensive approach for its prevention.