Violence during pregnancy: Measurement issues

Objectives. Standardized quantitative methods are needed to study occurrence and timing of violence in relation to pregnancy and to study the context in which pregnancy-related violence occurs. Methods. Data from three published studies of prevalence of violence during pregnancy are used to illustrate ways to measure the association of violence in relation to pregnancy. Results. Four patterns of violence in relation to pregnancy are identified, and related research issues are discussed. Also, 2 population-based surveys that address the suggestions presented here are discussed. Conclusions. Better measurement of the association between violence and pregnancy will facilitate development of data-based prevention and intervention programs.