(PS10-85) Examining the Association Between Covid-19, Intimate Partner Violence, and Mental Health Outcomes During Pregnancy

Abstract Text:

Introduction: Physical Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) during pregnancy is an important women's health concern affecting both maternal and child well-being (Field, 2017; Howard et al., 2013). IPV is associated with adverse mental health outcomes during pregnancy, especially anxiety and depression (Biaggi et al., 2016). During the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), there was an overall rise in IPV and anxiety and depression (Berthelot et al., 2020; Boserup, McKenney, & Elkbuli, 2020). However, there is limited research on the impact of the pandemic on this relationship during pregnancy, particularly in the United States. This study explored the relationship of IPV with anxiety and depression during pregnancy across the course of COVID-19.

Methods: This study is based on cross-sectional data from the 2016-2021 Pregnancy Risk and Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) to explore the impact of physical IPV during pregnancy on prenatal depression (n = 33, 096) and anxiety (n = 8,672). Additionally, it examined how this relationship changed before and after the World Health Organization’s declaration of a worldwide pandemic in March of 2020 (Cucinotta & Vanelli, 2020). Binomial logistic regression with a fixed effects model, ensuring data independence within states, was used to analyze the relationship between IPV, anxiety, and depression throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results: In line with the hypothesis, experiencing physical IPV during pregnancy increased the likelihood of prenatal depression (OR = 1.83, p < 0.001) and anxiety (OR = 1.41, p < 0.001). However, the findings did not indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic changed the relationship between IPV and prenatal depression (OR = 1.00, p = 0.373) and anxiety (OR = 1,00, p = 0.320). Experiencing depression prior to pregnancy was a robust predictor of prenatal depression (OR = 7.23, p < 0.001) and anxiety (OR = 1.38, p < 0.001). Similarly, experiencing anxiety prior to pregnancy was a significant predictor of prenatal depression (OR = 2.05, p < 0.001) and anxiety (OR = 9.85, p < 0.001).

Discussion and Limitations: There are some limitations such as its retrospective and cross-sectional design. This study also primarily focused on physical violence, without addressing other forms of IPV. Additionally, the timing of the pandemic and differences in experiences across states may affect the generalizability of the findings. However, the large sample size of individuals from diverse regions across the United States and territories of the US, offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into populations of women who may be particularly vulnerable and challenging to study. This includes data from home births, hospitals, and other unique settings which may not be routinely included in studies researching pregnant populations. These findings contribute to the growing body of literature advocating for routine screening of IPV, anxiety, and depression during pregnancy, to facilitate early intervention and safeguard vulnerable mothers.