Relationship Between Postpartum Depression, Domestic Violence, Childhood Violence, and Substance Use: Epidemiologic Study of a Large Community Sample

• NCJ Number: 245935
• Journal: Violence Against Women Volume: 19 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2013 Pages: 503-517
• Author(s): Cindy-Lee Dennis; Simone Vigod
• Date Published: April 2013
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of interpersonal violence and substance use to the prediction of postpartum depressive symptomatology.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the contribution of interpersonal violence and substance use to the prediction of postpartum depressive symptomatology. A community-based sample of 634 women in British Columbia, Canada was screened for interpersonal violence and substance use using the Antenatal Psychosocial Health Assessment ALPHA form. Of these women, 497 78% subsequently completed questionnaires at 8 weeks postpartum to assess for depressive symptomatology using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale EPDS. A predictive model for postpartum depressive symptomatology EPDS > 9 was developed using regression analysis. Findings suggest that women who experience past or current interpersonal violence or personal or partner substance use problems should be considered for targeted screening for postpartum depression PPD. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage.