A cross sectional hospital-based study of intimate partner violence and psychiatric comorbidity in pregnancy

Abstract

Purpose: To assess Intimate partner violence and psychiatric co-morbidities in pregnant women. Methods: Hundred and twenty consecutive patients who were pregnant attending the Ante natal clinic between 18-45 years were included in study. They were administered a semi structured proforma to collect socio demographic details, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) was assessed by WHO violence against women instrument. Psychiatric diagnosis was made according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 criteria (DSM-5), anxiety was assessed using Hamilton Anxiety Rating scale (HAM-A), depression was assessed using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). Results: About 15% of the patients had psychiatric comorbidities and 35% of the patients had history of intimate partner violence. Eighteen (42.85%) of the 42 had psychological violence and 24(57.15%) had physical sexual violence. When we compared the females, who did not have IPV (group 1) and who had IPV (group 2) - suicidal ideas, MTPs more than one, stress, depressive disorder and anxiety disorder was more in group 2 and this difference was statistically significant. Substance abuse was observed more in group 2 spouses than group 1 spouses and was statistically significant. Conclusion: A significant number of pregnant women reported IPV. This emphasizes the importance of screening for IPV in these women. It is observed that women with IPV had higher psychiatric comorbidity and may require psychotherapeutic intervention.