Intimate partner violence and related factors in the postpartum women during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the intimate partner violence (IPV) situation of women in the first year postpartum and determine their related factors.

The administered questionnaire included questions on basic attributes and changes in daily life due to the pandemic. We used the Violence Against Women Screen (VAWS) to screen for IPV. Additionally, we inquired about mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, sense of coherence, tendency towards decreased body awareness, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).

In total, 615 women were included in the analysis. Of these, 32.0% screened positive for IPV. This rate is higher than those reported in previous studies. The results of group comparisons revealed differences in age, number of children, tendency to experience difficulties in identifying bodily feelings, body awareness, and sense of coherence. The HRQOL results demonstrated differences between the groups. In the IPV-positive groups, high rates of anxiety and depression and differences in physical symptoms were observed. The factors influencing IPV positivity were the absence of a confidant, the tendency to have difficulty expressing bodily feelings, and a low sense of coherence. The physical complaints and psychological aspects of women experiencing IPV should be identified and understood.