Lifetime prevalence of sexual abuse in a Swedish pregnant population

Background. Our primary purpose was to determine the prevalence of sexual abuse in a non‐selected pregnant population. We also endeavored to establish the age at which the abuse had occurred and the identity of the perpetrator and to analyze in sexually abused vis‐à‐vis non‐abused women, various socio‐economic and clinical variables. Methods. Over a period of 6 months, all women registered at antenatal clinics in Uppsala, Sweden, were questioned by their midwives regarding exposure to sexual abuse. Data from antenatal records were used to compare abused with non‐abused women concerning socio‐economic characteristics, previous ill health, reproductive history, pregnancy complications, and pregnancy outcome. Continuous variables were compared using the Student's t‐test or the Mann–Whitney U‐test and categorical variables using the chi‐square test or Fisher's exact test. Results. Of 1038 women assessed, 84 (8.1%) reported that at some time in their life they had been forced to participate in or subjected to sexual activity against their will. In most cases the perpetrator was someone the woman knew. When compared with non‐victims, those abused were more likely to report general health problems, especially gynecologic ill health and surgery, pulmonary disease/asthma, and/or psychiatric care. However, no differences were found regarding pregnancy outcome. Conclusions. It was found that one pregnant woman in 12 had reported sexual abuse at some time in their life. To midwives and obstetricians who work closely both physically and emotionally with pregnant women, an awareness of the extent of the problem and of possible sequelae is essential.