Work packages

WP 1 (Tanzania): Physical Violence and Pregnancy Outcomes

The main aim of this sub-project was to investigate associations between intimate partner violence (IPV) and pregnancy outcomes (low birth weight and preterm birth) and to explore life experiences among pregnant women in Moshi district, Tanzania. Mixed study design methods were used and both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. The duration of data collection was fourteen months from March 1st 2014. The study added understanding on the effects of IPV exposure during pregnancy on birth outcomes. Furthermore, it informed on life experiences of women who are exposed to IPV injustice and to human rights breaches that happened at family level in the name of relations.

Ph.D. student: Geofrey Sigalla
Supervisors: Declare Mushi, Vibeke Rasch, Tine Gammeltoft

WP 1 (Vietnam): Physical Violence and Pregnancy Outcomes

This project aimed to explore the associations between intimate partner violence and preterm delivery and low birth weight. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods was applied. Study site: Dong Anh district of Ha Noi, Viet Nam. Study participants: Women who were less than 24 weeks pregnant at enrolment in the study (determined by ultrasound scanning). Sample size: We recruited 1,300 pregnant women from March to November, 2014. We also conducted in-depth interviews with 30 women exposed to physical violence in pregnancy and held focus group discussions with health providers and key community people.

Read about the outsome in the research updates:

Ph.D. student: Nguyen Hoang Thanh
Supervisors: Ngo Van Toan, Vibeke Rasch, Tine Gammeltoft

WP2 (Tanzania): Emotional Violence and Postpartum Depression

The main objective of this sub-project was to determine the associations between intimate partner violence and postpartum depression among pregnant women in the Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. This study helped design preventive strategies, bearing in mind the burden of postpartum depression to women, family and community in general. The sub-project employed mixed methods, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data. Research participants were 1,200 pregnant women attending two antenatal clinics in the municipality who were followed from early pregnancy through the post-partum period. To explore the women’s own perceptions of partner violence and depressive moods, in-depth ethnographic interviews were conducted with a sub-sample of 30 women.

Ph.D. student: Jane Rogathi
Supervisors: Rachel Manongi, Dan Meyrowitsch, Tine Gammeltoft

WP2 (Vietnam): Emotional Violence and Postpartum Depression

The purpose of this sub-study was to measure the prevalence of signs of perinatal depression; to analyze the associations between intimate partner violence and the occurrence of signs of depression; and to describe women’s experiences and help seeking behaviours, investigating the support received from society, community and health care providers in situations of emotional violence and depressive moods. The sub-study combined qualitative and quantitative methods. The quantitative sample comprised 1,300 pregnant women living in Dong Anh district, Hanoi, Vietnam (<24 weeks of gestational age confirmed by an ultrasound scan). The qualitative sample included 30 women (core cases) who reported emotional violence in pregnancy and who described signs of depression during pregnancy or after delivery.

Read about the outcome in the research updates:

Ph.D. student: Tran Tho Nhi
Supervisors: Nguyen Thi Thuy Hanh, Dan Meyrowitsch, Tine Gammeltoft