The Relationship between Intimate Partner Violence and Postpartum Depression in a North-Central State of Nigeria

Postpartum depression affects 10-15% of women in the immediate post delivery period. It has adverse effects on the family and her members. There are trigger factors that contribute to the development of depression among mothers. These factors; when identified and addressed, present an opportunity in reducing the prevalence of postpartum depression and its adverse effects on the family. Hence, the objective of the study was to study the relationship between Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Postpartum Depression (PPD) among women in Federal Medical Centre Makurdi. This was a cross-sectional study of mothers who presented with their children at the immunization clinic. Three hundred and thirty postpartum women were selected by a systematic random sampling technique. PPD and IPV were assessed using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale and the HITS (Hit, Insult, Threaten and Scream) scale respectively. The results showed that the mean age of participants was 28±5years. The prevalence of PPD was 27.6% while that of IPV was 22.4%. A statistically significant relationship was demonstrated between IPV and PPD (χ2 = 143.15, p < 0.0001). The prevalence of PPD and IPV were high, affecting approximately a quarter of postpartum women in Makurdi. IPV contributes to the development of PPD (OR=35.35, CI=17.39-71.87). Hence the need for screening of these conditions by physicians. Appropriate prevention modalities against IPV could curb postpartum depression and its effects on the family.