The effect of domestic violence during pregnancy on cortisol hormone release and newborn

The phenomenon of domestic violence that adversely affects women's health can also continue during pregnancy. Although many studies were conducted in Turkey, the issue of being exposed to domestic violence during pregnancy only once took place in those studies. It has been found that especially the number of the studies which focus on the whole duration of pregnancy including the evaluation of perinatal outcomes and the postpartum period is low. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of domestic violence during pregnancy on the release of cortisol hormone, premature birth, low birth weight, and breastfeeding. The population of the study consisted of approximately 412 pregnant women in Gaziantep Halide Alevli Family Health Center. However, it was estimated that there could be data losses. Therefore, 255 pregnant were reached. The data collection tools were the questionnaire form developed by the researcher, DVWDS (Domestic Violence to Women Determination Scale) and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale. In our study, three follow-ups were performed. At each follow-up and from each newborn, saliva samples were taken for cortisol hormone level. In the first follow-up, the questionnaire, DVWDS, and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale were applied to the pregnants in the second trimester (14-26 weeks). In the second follow-up, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale was applied to the pregnants in the 3rd trimester (27-41 weeks), and in the third follow-up, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale was applied to the puerperal mothers. It was determined that 9.8% of the pregnant women were exposed to violence by their spouses. The mean score of the first factor of DVWDS "inflicting physical violence to the degree that is damaging the body integrity" have been found to be the highest among the factors. It was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the mean score of Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale in the third follow-up of those who were exposed to domestic violence during pregnancy (p<0.05). It was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the exposure to domestic violence during pregnancy and the birth week of infants (p<0.05). It was found that there was a statistically significant difference in the mean score of cortisol hormone levels of infants between those who were exposed to domestic violence during pregnancy and those who were not (p<0.05). In Turkey, it is necessary to ensure the continuity of services aimed at preventing domestic violence against women, to determine the causes of service failures and to perform impact analyzes. Keywords: Pregnancy, Violence During Pregnancy, Cortisol, Newborn, Breastfeeding.