Citation

Zhang Y, Zou S, Cao Y, Zhang Y. Int. J. Gynaecol. Obstet. 2012; 116(1): 26-30.

Affiliation

Tianjin Mental Health Centre, Tianjin, China; Mental Health Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ijgo.2011.08.011

PMID

22024214

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy and postnatal depression, and to explore the relationship between domestic violence and postnatal depression among Chinese women. METHODS: In a cross-sectional survey, 846 pregnant women were screened with the Abuse Assessment Screen; 215 women completed the postnatal follow-up. All participants underwent psychosocial assessment, with the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale being used for the evaluation of postnatal depression. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of domestic violence during pregnancy was 11.3%, and the most common form of domestic violence was psychologic abuse. The follow-up interviews showed a higher prevalence of postnatal depression among women who had been abused during pregnancy (25.1%) than among those who had not (6.0%). Psychologic abuse during pregnancy, an unexpected pregnancy, an attitude of acceptance toward violence, and concern over the newborn's health were related with postnatal depression. CONCLUSION: Domestic violence during pregnancy and related factors contributed to postnatal depression in a population of Chinese women. The findings emphasize the importance of intervention among vulnerable populations in low-income countries.

Language: en