Depression and Intimate Partner Violence Among Women in Puerto Rico During the COVID-19 Pandemic [ID 1657]

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a global increase in depression and intimate partner violence (IPV). Rates could be even higher for those in underserved regions, such as Puerto Rico. This study evaluates depression and IPV among women in Puerto Rico during the pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated women aged 18–65 living in Puerto Rico. Recruitment was done via social media and at gynecology clinics from March to December 2021. Data were collected with a self-administered survey. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST) evaluated depression and IPV. Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney rank-sum, chi-squared tests, and logistic regression were used for analysis at 95% CIs. Values of P <.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Women (n=286) had a mean age of 38 (±12.7). A 60.9% screened positive for depression (n=249) and 11.8% for IPV (n=178). Women with higher PHQ-9 scores perceived the pandemic affected their mental health and gynecological care ( P <.001). Higher PHQ-9 scores were associated with positive IPV screens ( P <.001). Analogously, women with higher WAST scores had increased odds of having at least mild depression (odds ratio 1.38; CI, 1.14–1.66). Findings persisted after adjusting for age, sexual orientation, and income. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The risk for depression and IPV among women in Puerto Rico call for action. Puerto Rico’s prolonged turmoil had jeopardized women's mental health. The COVID-19 crisis further escalated their risk for depression and IPV. Proactive interventions are vital for upholding women’s health. Routine screening could help identify women at risk and offer timely support.