This publication, featured in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, explores the impact of intimate partner violence during pregnancy on maternal and neonatal health outcomes in Kosovo. Through a population-based cross-sectional survey of nearly 1,500 women, the study investigates the prevalence of psychological, physical, and sexual violence and its associations with adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and cesarean delivery.
The findings reveal concerning rates of violence during pregnancy, underscoring its significant correlation with poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. These insights highlight the urgent need for stronger screening, prevention, and support systems within Kosovo’s healthcare and social structures to protect mothers and infants.
A key contributor to this important research is Dr. Ilir Hoxha, a board member of AMC, whose expertise in health systems and evidence-based policy played a pivotal role in guiding the study. His leadership and mentorship helped ensure that the research not only illuminated the clinical realities but also addressed the broader systemic challenges of maternal health in Kosovo.
By bringing visibility to an often-overlooked issue, this study paves the way for integrated approaches that combine clinical care with social support, advancing maternal and child health in resource-constrained contexts.
