Using a randomized controlled trial, this study evaluated the effectiveness of an empowerment intervention in a Hong Kong antenatal clinic in a public hospital in reducing intimate partner violence (IPV) and improving health status.
The sample studied consisted of 110 Chinese pregnant women with a history of abuse by their intimate partners. The women were randomized to the experimental or control group. Experimental-group women received empowerment training specially designed for Chinese abused pregnant women, and the control-group women received standard care for abused women. Data were collected at study entry and 6 weeks postnatal. IPV was measured on the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS), and health-related quality of life (SF-36) and postnatal depression [Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)] were also measured. Following the training, the experimental group had significantly higher physical functioning and had significantly improved role limitation due to physical problems and emotional problems. They also reported less psychological (but not sexual) abuse and minor (but not severe) physical violence, and they had significantly lower postnatal depression scores; however, they reported more bodily pain. The study concluded that an empowerment intervention specially designed for Chinese abused pregnant women was effective in reducing IPV and improving the health status of the women. (publisher abstract modified)