Testing an Enhanced Domestic Violence Support Program for Pregnant Women in China to Prevent Intimate Partner Violence and Improve Maternal and Infant Health

What this Trial Is About

Intimate partner violence IPV against pregnant women is a serious social and health issue that affects both maternal and infant well-being. This study evaluates a structured IPV intervention integrated into prenatal care in China, a setting where IPV has been largely overlooked and underserved, aiming to reduce IPV and its negative effects on maternal depression, birth outcomes, and child development. The study compares two groups of pregnant women who screened positive for IPV one group receives the Domestic Violence Enhanced Perinatal Care Program, which includes education about IPV, danger assessment, safety planning, and resource information delivered in three prenatal sessions and one postpartum session. The control group receives standard perinatal care with prenatal health education and resource lists. This randomized study is conducted in two perinatal clinics in China, representing different socioeconomic areas. Participants will complete web-based surveys at baseline, 36-40 weeks of pregnancy, and at 3 and 6 months postpartum to measure IPV frequency, depression, stress, safety behaviors, birth outcomes, and child growth and development. Phone interviews will assess acceptability and satisfaction with the intervention. This pilot study aims to test feasibility and inform future effective IPV prevention programs in Chinas perinatal care system, with a total participation period covering pregnancy through six months postpartum.

Domestic Violence Enhanced Perinatal Care Program in China