Childhood sexual abuse in pregnant and parenting adolescents

Abstract

Objective To examine childhood sexual abuse in Australian childbearing adolescents and the contribution of abuse variables (sexual and physical abuse) to antenatal and postpartum depression and anxiety in adolescents. Methods Seventy-nine adolescents proceeding with a pregnancy for the first time were surveyed about abuse experiences and were administered the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) at the third trimester and at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum. Results The prevalence of physical abuse before the age of 16 years was 20.5% and 9% of adolescents met the criteria for sexual abuse. Overall, 20.5% adolescents experienced some kind of abuse (sexual or physical) and 9% experienced both sexual and physical abuse. An experience of sexual and/or physical abuse was related to depression and anxiety in the postpartum, but not during pregnancy. Conclusions The difficulties associated with the transition to parenting may be exacerbated for adolescent childbearers who have a history of abuse, and in turn, may increase vulnerability to experiencing depression and anxiety. Depression and anxiety may increase perceived stress and compromise their functioning and their ability to parent.