Researchers analyzed state data on 119 verified maternal death cases in Louisiana between January 2016 and December 2017.
Of the 119 cases, 13.4 percent involved homicides. The homicide mortality rate (12.9 deaths per 100,000 live births) surpassed the rate of all other obstetric causes of death, including hypertensive disorders and embolism.
In addition, the homicide risk was twice as high for women who were pregnant or recently gave birth compared to women who were not.
“Healthcare professionals’ encounters with women and girls during pregnancy and the postpartum period — times when they are most likely to seek healthcare services — represent critical windows of opportunity for violence prevention services and interventions targeting them, their partners or their families,” researchers concluded.
More articles on population health:
Mental health days off for students gaining traction
Trump signs exec order on human trafficking: 3 things to know
Health disparities among Chicago hospitals’ most pressing public health concerns
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
