MARITAL VIOLENCE AFTER CHILDBIRTH

Objective : the purpose was to estimate the prevalence of marital viol ence during the year after childbirth in France, Methods : a survey ha s been carried out in three maternity units among primipara and second ipara women in 1993-1994. The women were interviewed in the three days after the delivery and they received a postal questionnaire 5 and 12 months later The analysis includes 706 women, Results : the prevalence of marital violence during the 12 months after childbirth is equal to 4,1 % (2,6 % - 5,6 %). This percentage is higher among women living a n unstable relationship with their partner or when the partner has not a job, These women who reported marital violence had a higher prevale nce of previous miscarriage, They used more often psychotropic drugs a nd reported more often depressive symptoms than the other women, Concl usion : physicians may be helpful by listening and counseling these wo men who receive low emotional and social support.