Exploring the Association Between Intimate Partner Violence and Short Interpregnancy Intervals [ID 1404]

INTRODUCTION: The objective was to evaluate if a history of intimate partner violence (IPV) increases risk of short interpregnancy interval (IPI) and to identify contributing factors. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of records from initial obstetrical visits at an urban community-based hospital from July 2020 to February 2023 was performed. The study was IRB exempt. Primigravid patients and those who underwent artificial reproductive technology were excluded. Two groups were identified: those who endorsed IPV and those who did not. Outcomes included short IPI (less than 18 months between delivery and conception), history of mental health disorder, long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) placement in the immediate postpartum period (within 6 weeks of delivery), and postpartum visit (PPV) attendance. RESULTS: Fifty-five cases with a history of IPV and 163 cases without IPV were identified. Patients reporting IPV were more likely to have a short IPI (54.5% versus 35.6%; odds ratio [OR] 2.17; CI, 1.17–4.04). There were no statistically significant differences in LARC usage (25.5% versus 26.3%; OR 1.05; CI, 0.52–2.11) or PPV attendance (56.4% versus 66.3%; OR 1.52; CI, 0.81–2.84) between the IPV+ and IPV− groups, respectively. Patients reporting IPV were also more likely to have concomitant mental health disorders (78.2% versus 20.2%; OR 14.12; CI, 6.70–29.74). CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Patients with a history of IPV were more likely to have short IPIs and coexisting mental health disorders and should receive additional mental health support in the intrapartum/postpartum periods. Further studies are needed to determine how best to support these patients in improving LARC access and PPV attendance.