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Pacific Islands Families Study: Intimate Partner Violence and Postnatal Depression

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Abstract

Aim The present study examined the association between maternal intimate partner violence (IPV) and postnatal depression (PND) 6 weeks after giving birth. Study Design Data were gathered from the Pacific Islands Families Study. Mothers of a cohort of Pacific infants born in Auckland, New Zealand during 2000 were interviewed 6 weeks after giving birth. There were 1,085 mothers cohabiting in married or de-facto partnerships who completed measures of IPV and PND at the 6-week assessment point. Results Women who were victims of physical violence were more likely to report postnatal depressive symptoms than those who were not (29.6% vs. 10.9%, OR: 3.44, 95% CI: 2.42, 4.97). The adjusted odds remained statistically significant (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.52, 3.60). Conclusion Findings suggest that being the victim of physical violence more than doubles the risk of PND. The results of the study may help to develop culturally appropriate social services and policies for Pacific women.

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Acknowledgments

The Pacific Islands Families (PIF) Study is funded by grants awarded from the Foundation for Research, Science & Technology, the Health Research Council of New Zealand and the Maurice & Phyllis Paykel Trust. The authors gratefully acknowledge the families who participate in the study as well as other members of the research team. In addition we wish to express our thanks to the PIF Advisory Board for their guidance and support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Institute for Public Health and Mental Health Research, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, AUT University, Private Bag 92006, Auckland, New Zealand

    Wanzhen Gao, Janis Paterson, Sarnia Carter & Leon Iusitini

  2. Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand

    Max Abbott

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  1. Wanzhen Gao
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  2. Janis Paterson
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  3. Max Abbott
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Correspondence to Wanzhen Gao.

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Gao, W., Paterson, J., Abbott, M. et al. Pacific Islands Families Study: Intimate Partner Violence and Postnatal Depression. J Immigrant Minority Health 12, 242–248 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-008-9190-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-008-9190-y

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