Intergenerational Effects of Violence on Women’s Perinatal Wellbeing and Infant Health Outcomes: Evidence from a Birth Cohort Study in Central Vietnam

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Data was obtained from a birth cohort study in Hue City, Vietnam, which was conducted with 150 women in the third trimester of pregnancy (Wave 1) and three months after childbirth (Wave 2). This study examined the intergenerational effects of being exposed to childhood maltreatment (CM) and prenatal intimate partner violence (p-IPV) on perinatal mental distress and birth outcomes in central Vietnam. 

Using multivariable logistic regression models, augmented inverse-probability-weighted estimators and structural equation modelling (SEM), we analysed a theoretical model by evaluating adjusted risk differences and pathways between CM, p-IPV and subsequent perinatal adversity and indicators of infant health problems.

Data analysis highlighted :

• Violent victimisation is prevalent in Central Vietnam, with one in two pregnant women experiencing at least one form of childhood maltreatment (CM) (55.03%), while one in 10 pregnant women experienced both CM and p-IPV (10.67%).
• Mothers with violent and adverse family backgrounds have twice the risk of poor mental health during pregnancy, and their infants have twice the risk of adverse birth outcomes.
• Exposure to prenatal spousal violence is associated with women’s adverse childhood experiences, neighborhood disorder and low partner support.
• Social support during pregnancy may have a buffering effect by reducing the long-term impact of childhood traumatic events.

These results emphasise the detrimental and prolonged nature of the effect of violence during childhood and pregnancy. Exposure to childhood maltreatment and violence during pregnancy increases the risk of maternal mental health difficulties and adverse birth outcomes.