COVID-19 related increases in verbal conflicts and intimate partner violence around the time of pregnancy

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Studies have documented increased intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. We used 2020 data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) collected in 29 sites to assess increased verbal conflicts or increased physical, sexual, and emotional aggression from a husband or partner due to the pandemic among women with a recent live birth. We estimated prevalence by maternal characteristics and prevalence ratios for associations with postpartum health indicators and infant birth outcomes.
Among respondents (n=14,084), approximately 18% reported increased verbal conflicts, and 3% reported increased aggression due to COVID-19. Experiencing either was associated with postpartum smoking (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.28–1.86 for verbal conflicts; aPR 2.19, 95% CI 1.47–3.27 for aggression) and postpartum depressive symptoms (aPR 1.79, 95% CI, 1.55–2.07 for verbal conflicts; aPR 2.28, 95% CI 1.60–3.23 for aggression). There were no differences in postpartum checkup attendance or infant birth outcomes.
Experiences with increased verbal conflicts and aggression due to the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with postpartum smoking and postpartum depressive symptoms. Findings support the need for ongoing efforts to prevent intimate partner violence and ensure the availability of resources during public health emergencies.

Authors

• Denise D'Angelo, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Martha Kapaya, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Beatriz Salvesen von Essen, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Lee Warner, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Lauren Zapata, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Jessica Meeker, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Nickolas Agathis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Kathleen Basile, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Heather Clayton, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Rosalyn Lee, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Yanet Ruvalcaba, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Elizabeth Swedo, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention