Qualitative, Interpretive Metasynthesis of Women's Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence During Pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: To describe the perspectives of women who experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy through a qualitative, interpretive metasynthesis.

Data sources: We searched 12 electronic databases to identify articles on qualitative studies pertaining to women's experiences of IPV during pregnancy. We searched Academic Search Complete, AgeLine, CINAHL Complete, Family Studies Abstracts, MEDLINE, PsycARTICLES, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, PsycINFO, Social Work Abstracts, Health Source-Consumer Edition, Health Source-Nursing/Academic Edition, and Humanities Full Text for articles published from 2008 through 2018.

Data extraction: We used inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify eight reports of qualitative studies that contained direct quotations in which women described their experiences of IPV.

Data synthesis: We used a methodologic reduction to provide a theoretical context that helped us synthesize the data to five key themes: Pregnancy Escalates Abuse, Concern for Unborn Fetus, Importance ofSupport, My Child Saved Me, and Pregnancy Is a Catalyst for Reflection.

Conclusion: The results of our synthesis illustrate the unique perspectives of women who experienced IPV during pregnancy. Understanding these experiences can help health care providers assist pregnant women through enhanced screenings and education. Health care providers can also help women identify resources for emotional and financial support as they determine the best courses of action for themselves and their children.

Keywords: intimate partner violence; mothering; pregnancy; qualitative interpretive metasynthesis.