Year-end Sale % OFF 
Abstract
BackgroundAlthough research has established the profound effects that intimate partner abuse can have on postpartum mental health, little is known regarding how this association may change as a function of the timing and type of abuse. This study examined associations of psychological, physical and sexual abuse experienced as adults before and during pregnancy with symptoms of postpartum mental health problems in a non-clinical sample of women.MethodsEnglish-speaking mothers aged 18 years and older in the metropolitan area of a large, Western Canadian city were recruited to participate in a study of women’s health after pregnancy. The study was advertised in hospitals, local newspapers, community venues, and relevant websites. One-hundred women completed standardized, self-report questionnaires during semi-structured interviews conducted by female research assistants at approximately 2 months postpartum. In addition to questions about their general health and well-being, participants answered questions about their experiences of intimate partner abuse and about their mental health during the postpartum period.ResultsAlmost two-thirds (61.0%) of women reported postpartum mental health symptoms above normal levels, with 47.0% reporting symptoms at moderate or higher levels. The majority reported some form of intimate partner abuse before pregnancy (84.0%) and more than two-thirds (70.0%), during pregnancy; however, the abuse was typically minor in nature. Multivariate models revealed that women who experienced intimate partner abuse—whether before or during pregnancy—reported higher levels of postpartum mental health problems; however, associations differed as a function of the timing and type of abuse, as well as specific mental health symptoms. Multivariate models also showed that as the number of types of intimate partner abuse experienced increased, so did the negative effects on postpartum mental health.ConclusionsResults of this study provide further evidence that intimate partner abuse is a risk factor for postpartum mental health problems. They also underscore the complex risks and needs associated with intimate partner abuse among postpartum women and support the use of integrated approaches to treating postpartum mental health problems. Future efforts should focus on the extent to which strategies designed to reduce intimate partner abuse also improve postpartum mental health and vice versus.
Highlights
Research has established the profound effects that intimate partner abuse can have on postpartum mental health, little is known regarding how this association may change as a function of the timing and type of abuse
Women are at heightened risk postpartum for other mental health problems, such as generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, as well as psychosis [8,9,10,11,12,13]
The present study To address these knowledge gaps, we explored the relationship between intimate partner abuse on postpartum mental health problems in a non-clinical, communitybased sample of new mothers using a cross-sectional, retrospective design
Summary
Research has established the profound effects that intimate partner abuse can have on postpartum mental health, little is known regarding how this association may change as a function of the timing and type of abuse. Postpartum mental health problems are major public health issues with significant implications for maternal and child health [1]. This is the period during which women demonstrate the highest incidence of common mental disorders [2,3,4]. Research has documented the profound effects untreated postpartum mental health problems can have on families and children [14]. Impaired interactions between mother(s) and children have been associated with long-term impairments in children’s cognitive and emotional development [14] They increase risk for maternal engagement in other risky behaviors, such as substance abuse and self-harm [17,18]. There is a need for improved knowledge and identification of risk factors for postpartum mental health problems, such as intimate partner abuse [19]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
