Violence during pregnancy: measurement issues.

OBJECTIVES: Standardized quantitative methods are needed to study occurrence and timing of violence in relation to pregnancy and to study the context in which pregnancy-related violence occurs. METHODS: Data from three published studies of prevalence of violence during pregnancy are used to illustrate ways to measure the association of violence in relation to pregnancy. RESULTS: Four patterns of violence in relation to pregnancy are identified, and related research issues are discussed. Also, 2 population-based surveys that address the suggestions presented here are discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Better measurement of the association between violence and pregnancy will facilitate development of data-based prevention and intervention programs.