Violence and Depression Among Pregnant Women in Egypt

Abstract Background: Depression is a serious mental health disorder that might affect women in the childbearing period. Incidences increase during pregnancy as well as after delivery. Its association with intimate partner violence has been reported in many countries. Data about this sensitive issue are lacking in Egypt. The aim of the study was to determine the relation between intimate partner violence and depression during pregnancy. Methods: This was a case control study conducted at the the outpatient clinics in Suez Canal University hospitals, from January 2019 to March 2020. The study included two groups, the study group included women exposed to violence during the current pregnancy and a control one included women with no history of violence. Women were asked to complete the Arabic validated NorVold Domestic Abuse Questionnaire. Depression was evaluated using the Arabic validated form of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. The main outcome measure was to assess the association between intimate partner violence and depression. Results: Both groups were matched in their demographic characters. Emotional violence was the most common reported pattern among women exposed to intimate partner violence 87.9% (139/158). There was a significant difference between women exposed to violence and those who were not exposed to violence in the total depression scores (13.63 ± 5.47 and 10.65 ± 5.44, respectively with a p value <0.001). Emotional and sexual violence had significant roles as risk factors for depression during pregnancy in single regression or after control of other confounders. Conclusion: There was a strong association between intimate partner violence and depression during pregnancy with variable rates that differ according to the economic state of the countries.