Citation

Islam MJ, Broidy L, Mazerolle P, Baird K, Mazumder N, Zobair KM. Arch. Suicide Res. 2019; ePub(ePub): 1-41.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2019.1655507

PMID

31462186

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) during the perinatal period is believed to have an adverse effect on maternal mental health. Given the risks of suicide and related public health concerns, the aim of this study is to examine: 1) the association of experiencing physical, psychological, and sexual IPV after childbirth on postpartum suicidal ideation (SI); and 2) whether postpartum depression and self-esteem act to mediate or moderate the relationship between IPV and postpartum SI. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2015 to January 2016 in the Chandpur District of Bangladesh among 426 new mothers, aged 15-49 years, who were in the first six months postpartum. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the association between experiencing IPV and postpartum SI, controlling for a range of other known influences. Results: The prevalence of postpartum SI was 30.8%. Accounting the influence of other confounders, the odds of postpartum SI were significantly higher among women who reported physical IPV victimization (AOR: 2.65; 95% CI =1.36, 5.18) at any point during the first six months following childbirth as opposed to those who did not. In addition, postpartum depression increased postpartum SI, while high self-esteem significantly reduced reports of SI. Both postpartum depression and maternal self-esteem notably mediate and moderate the effect of physical IPV after childbirth on postpartum SI Conclusions and implications: The findings illuminate that IPV victimization after childbirth significantly increases the odds of postpartum SI. This study reinforces the need to detect women with a history of IPV who may be at risk for SI, not only to offer them help and support but also to prevent or reduce SI.

Language: en

Keywords

Bangladesh; Intimate partner violence; postpartum depression; postpartum suicidal ideation; self-esteem; women’s mental health