Domestic Violence and Uptake of Ante-Natal Care Services in India

Background: Antenatal care (ANC) is vital for improving maternal and child health by offering risk screening and health education (WHO, 2016). This study assesses the prevalence of comprehensive ANC among married women in India. It explores the impact of domestic violence (DV) on ANC service utilization and examines socio-economic factors that affect these dynamics. Methods: This study analyzed the fifth and most recent published round of the National Family Health Survey (2019–21). Pregnancy that occurred in the preceding five years among currently married women living with their husbands were considered for the analysis with an analytical sample of 15,718 women. A series of logistic regression models has been conducted to understand the association between domestic violence and full ANC service utilization. Results: While exploring the relationship between DV and uptake of ante-natal services, results suggest a significantly higher odd of receiving full ANC persists among women who never experienced emotional violence [AOR=1.82; p<0.01], physical violence [AOR=2.03; p<0.001] and sexual violence [AOR=2.33; p<0.01], compared to those who have experienced violence, when adjusted for individual, husband and household level characteristics. Conclusions: DV significantly hinders access to essential ANC services, increasing maternal mortality risks in South Asia. Public health initiatives must incorporate DV screening and interventions within ANC programs, focusing on education and support for women. Addressing these issues is critical for improving maternal health outcomes. Key words: Antenatal care, maternal health, Domestic violence, intimate partner violence