Citation

Harrykissoon SD, Rickert VI, Wiemann CM. Arch. Pediatr. Adolesc. Med. 2002; 156(4): 325-330.

Affiliation

Department of Pediatrics, Section of Adolescent and Sports Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 6621 Fannin St, CC610.01, Houston, TX 77030-2399, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, American Medical Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11929364

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine prevalence, frequency, severity, and patterns of intimate partner violence (IPV) during the first 24 months' post partum within a multiethnic cohort of adolescents. DESIGN: A prospective study of adolescent girls followed up for 24 months into the postpartum period. Follow-up surveys were completed at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months' post partum. Overall, 74% completed at least 4 of the 5 follow-up surveys. SETTING: Postpartum unit at a university teaching hospital in Galveston, Tex. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 570 adolescents (18 years or younger; 219 Mexican Americans, 182 African Americans, and 169 European Americans) completed face-to-face interviews within 48 hours of delivery and returned at least 4 of 5 follow-up surveys. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of IPV and frequent and severe IPV. RESULTS: Prevalence of IPV was highest at 3 months' post partum (21%) and lowest at 24 months (13%). The percentage of assaulted mothers who experienced severe IPV increased from 40% to 62% across this period. Seventy-five percent of mothers reporting IPV during pregnancy also reported IPV within 24 months following delivery. Of importance, 78% who experienced IPV during the first 3 postpartum months had not reported IPV before delivery. Ethnic differences in IPV were observed at 3, 6, and 18 months' post partum. CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents are at high risk for experiencing IPV during the postpartum period. Frequent screening for IPV by health care practitioners is critical to maximize detection.

Language: en