Objectives. To examine prevalence, frequency, severity, and patterns of intimate partner violence (IPV) over the first 24 months postpartum within a multiethnic cohort of adolescents.
Methods. 770 adolescents 18 years of age or younger from Mexican-American (n=299), African-American (n=238), and European-American (n=233) backgrounds completed face-to-face interviews assessing demographic factors and IPV within 48 hours of delivery at a university hospital in Southeast Texas. Follow-up surveys were completed at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postpartum; survey return rates averaged 80%. IPV was assessed at each point by asking adolescents whether they had been physically hurt (to cause bruising/bleeding or hit during an argument) by an intimate partner. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to compare differences in IPV among ethnic groups.
Results. Prevalence of IPV was highest at 3 months postpartum (21.1%) and lowest at 24 months (12.7%). African-Americans and Mexican-Americans versus European-Americans were significantly more likely to have reported IPV at 3 and 6 months postpartum, respectively. Eleven to 27% of assaulted adolescents from each ethnicity reported frequent IPV across the postpartum period with those reporting severe IPV increasing over the 24 months. Three out of every four young mothers who had reported IPV during pregnancy reported IPV on at least one follow-up survey. Of importance, 77% of adolescents reporting IPV at 3 months postpartum had not reported IPV during the 12 months before delivery.
Conclusions. Adolescents are at high risk for experiencing IPV during the postpartum period. Frequent screening for IPV by providers is critical to maximize detection.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: 1. Describe ethnic differenes in the prevalence of intimate partner violence during the postpartum period. 2. List two patterns of intimate partner violence experienced by adolescents during the postpartum period. 3. Recognize the need for systematic screening of intimate partner violence by health care providers throughout the postpartum period.
Keywords: Adolescents, Violence
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.