Intimate Partner Violence Among Postpartum Women in Low-Income Developing Rural Areas: A Cross-Sectional Study in China

Intimate partner violence is a global issue with severe impacts on women’s health, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. Living conditions for mothers in rural areas are characterized by transportation isolation, low literacy levels, lower economic status, limited access to healthcare, and social norms that condone violence. These specific cultural, social, and economic factors have contributed to the worsening of intimate partner violence in rural areas. However, the current situation of intimate partner violence among women during pregnancy and the postpartum in low-income rural areas of China remains insufficiently explored. To examine the prevalence and factors influencing intimate partner violence among women during pregnancy and postpartum in low-income rural areas of China. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a set of general questionnaires covering demographic, obstetric/pediatric, and psychosocial characteristics, together with two validated instruments, namely the Abuse Assessment Screen for intimate partner violence and the Social Support Rating Scale for social support. Among 467 women, 82 (17.6%) experienced intimate partner violence during pregnancy and postpartum, including 74 (15.8%) emotional, 15 (3.2%) physical, and 20 (4.3%) sexual violence cases. Additionally, 2.1% of the participants experienced all three types of violence. Receiving care from partners or their families and social support were protective factors, while the number of pregnancies, partner alcohol abuse during pregnancy, negative life events, and supportive attitudes toward intimate partner violence were risk factors. The findings indicate that targeted interventions and educational efforts should focus on altering sociocultural perceptions and behavioral patterns, particularly the attitudes of partners and family members. Future research should thoroughly investigate the long-term effects of various forms of support (e.g., emotional, financial) and the support systems aimed at addressing the specific socio-economic and cultural challenges faced by rural mothers.