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Abstract

Domestic violence and abuse during pregnancy are significant global public health concerns affecting maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, evidence on its relationship with low birth weight and preterm birth remains inconsistent, necessitating systematic synthesis. This study adopted a systematic review and meta-analysis design. A structured search string was developed using keywords and synonyms related to domestic violence, pregnancy, low birth weight, and preterm birth and implemented across PubMed (MEDLINE), ScienceDirect (Scopus), and ProQuest (Clarivate). Study screening followed PRISMA guidelines with independent reviewers and consensus resolution of disagreements. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool for cohort studies. Publication bias was evaluated using funnel plot inspection and Egger’s regression test. Data collection was conducted using a data extraction form, while analysis employed a random-effects model with inverse variance weighting. A total of 4,855 records were retrieved, and 7 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Domestic violence increased the risk of preterm birth by 63% (pooled risk ratio = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.07–2.47; p = 0.02). However, low birth weight showed no significant association (pooled risk ratio = 1.34; 95% CI: 0.82–2.19; p = 0.24). Substantial heterogeneity was observed across studies for both outcomes. In conclusion, domestic violence is significantly associated with preterm birth but not conclusively with low birth weight. These findings support the need for routine screening of domestic violence and abuse during antenatal care to reduce adverse birth outcomes.

Keywords

Abuse Domestic violence Low birth weight Pregnancy Preterm birth

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Standley, B., Agbapuonwu, N., & Abah, A. (2026). Impact Of Domestic Violence And Abuse On Pregnancy Outcomes In Low And Middle Income Countries: a Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis. Journal of Public Health and Toxicological Research, 3(3), 331–339. https://doi.org/10.71637/jphtr.vol3no3.66
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