The aim of this study was to evaluate whether intimate partner physical violence is a risk factor for late initiation of childcare in primary healthcare units (PHCU). This cross-sectional study included 927 mothers and their infants less than six months of age seen at 27 PHCU in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The target outcome was delay in first visit to the service (at 60 days of age or later). Interactions between intimate partner physical violence, maternal employment, and quality of prenatal care were explored using multivariate logistic regression. Postpartum intimate partner physical violence was an independent risk factor for late initiation of children's healthcare when mothers had no formal occupation (OR = 3.1, 95%CI: 1.5-6.3) or reported inadequate prenatal care (OR = 4.8, 95%CI: 2.4-9.5). The results emphasize the need for better training of health professionals to detect cases of intimate partner violence during prenatal and pediatric care, which themselves are important steps for reducing such occurrence and thus promoting adequate maternal and child care.
Domestic Violence; Maternal and Child Health; Child Care; Health Services
