Exploring the Effect of Intimate Partner Violence Subtypes on Postpartum Depression and the Mediating Role of Health Care Screening [ID 1751]

INTRODUCTION: In the United States, around 5% of pregnant individuals will experience intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy. Although numerous studies have established an association between IPV and postpartum depression (PPD), there is limited research examining the effectiveness of physician interventions in improving outcomes. Additionally, few studies explored the effect of IPV subtypes on the incidence of PPD. METHODS: We used data from 390,320 participants in the 2012–2021 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS). We conducted multivariable logistic regression analyses to assess the relationship between IPV (physical, sexual, and emotional) and PPD, adjusting for maternal age, education, insurance, comorbidities, smoking, pregnancy intent, and mode of delivery. We then examined whether physician screening for IPV was a significant interaction term in the IPV and PPD relationship. RESULTS: Intimate partner violence was indicated in 9,735 questionnaires (2.5%). Incidence of PPD among individuals who experienced IPV was 35.4%. This was significantly higher than those who did not experience IPV (odds ratio [OR], 3.77; 95% CI, 3.50–4.06). This association persisted after adjusting for potential confounding (OR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.83–2.44). Postpartum depression was associated with all subtypes of abuse, including physical (OR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.80–2.57), emotional (OR, 2.24; 95% CI, 1.80–2.77), and sexual (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.26–2.69). Providers asking about abuse was a significant interaction term in this relationship (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.03–2.03). CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: This study offers an up-to-date perspective on how various forms of IPV affect PPD. The results emphasize the importance of standardized IPV screening and support for pregnant individuals.