Pnm-7: Intimate Partner Violence and Antenatal Depression among Pregnant Women in Iran

Background: Domestic violence against women is a significant public health issue in both developed and developing countries of the world. Intimate partner violence during pregnancy can result in adverse outcomes for both mothers and their infants. Partner violence against women is common during pregnancy and might have an adverse effect on the mental health of women during antenatal pregnancy. Objective: This study aims to determine the frequency and risk factors of domestic violence in pregnant women the association of antenatal depression with psychological, physical, and sexual violence against women by their intimate partners during pregnancy. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done on 1097 pregnant women referring in health centers in jahrom south of Iran between April and October 2013. All women were invited by the midwife to participate in the study during their visit to the clinic for their first checkup or during a follow-up visit. This research was implemented through questionnaires including the demographic characteristic. The form of partner violence in pregnancy including emotional abuse, physical violence and sexual violence was assessed with a validated questionnaire, and the Beak depression scale was used to measure antenatal depression. Data was analyzed using Student’s t test and one-way ANOVA tests. Results: The overall prevalence of violence during pregnancy was 79.1%. For this rate, 69.7, 28.1 and 30.9% were emotional violence, sexual and physical violence, respectively. The most common form of partner violence was psychological. Domestic violence was significantly associated with, age (p=0.005), Length of marriage years (p=0.004), Husband’s Educational level (p=0.023), pregnancy number (p<0.001), Previous mode of delivery (p=0.03), Demands of pregnancy (p=0.001), depression during pregnancy (p=0.02). Between depression and psychological violence (p=0.016), sexual violence (p=0.027) was statistically significant. Conclusion: This study indicated that the frequency of domestic violence in pregnant women is very high; therefore it is suggested women clinic to be established to protect pregnant women suffering from domestic violence during pregnancy. Also in this study, it is clear that violence against women increases the risk of mental health problems. Routine screening for violence and depression is warranted during pregnancy to aid in the early detection and violence of depression.