Association between experience of emotional violence and hypertension among Kenyan women.

Women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) face increased risks of reproductive health issues and psychological distress. There is also a growing scholarly interest in its effect on cardiovascular health. About 30% of Kenyan women experience emotional violence, and 9.37% are hypertensive. Yet, there is the absence of localized studies on the role of emotional violence on hypertension risk. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the association between emotional violence and hypertension risk among women of reproductive age in Kenya. Using data from the 2022 Kenya demographic and health survey, we analysed the data of 5,109 women. The outcome and exposure were hypertension status and emotional violence, respectively. Descriptive analysis and binary logistic regression models were computed in STATA version 18. Results were presented in tables, showing the frequency, percentage, and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a 95% confidence interval (CI). The prevalence of hypertension was 9.78% [95% CI 8.73-10.94]. Women who had experienced emotional violence had 69% higher odds of hypertension [AOR 1.69; 95% CI 1.39-2.06]. After adjusting for covariates (i.e., age, place of residence, wealth status, exposure to media, and educational level), individuals who reported experiencing emotional violence exhibited a 51% higher odds of hypertension compared to those who did not [AOR 1.51; 95% CI 1.23-1.85]. There is a significant association between emotional violence and hypertension. The findings underscore a need for policy makers in Kenya to address emotional violence against women not only as a social issue but as a serious health risk factor. As such, the experience of emotional violence should be considered as part of the criteria to enhance hypertension screening among women.

Temporal and spatial convergence: the major depressive disorder burden attributed to intimate partner violence against women.

Background: There is a strong causal relationship between intimate partner violence and major depressive disorder, which partly endangers women's safety across the life course and potentially affects the development of future generations. The international community has placed a high priority on addressing the intimate partner violence and the resulting burden of mental illness. Data collection needs to be captured across the temporal trend and spatial distribution for major depressive disorder attributed to intimate partner violence, to reflect the priorities and expectations of survivors.Method: This research obtained raw disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) information for major depressive disorder attributed to intimate partner violence from the Global Burden of Disease 2019. Using estimated annual percentage change and two-way fixed effects models, a secondary spatio-temporal analysis of the age-standardized DALYs rate from 1990 to 2019 was performed.Results: In 2019, DALYs lost among women experiencing major depressive disorder (3.16 million) accounted for 37.18% of the DALYs lost worldwide due to intimate partner violence. The age-standardized DALYs rate of major depressive disorder attributed to intimate partner violence was 108.57 per 100,000. The highest was concentrated in the menopausal transition (45-55), with 133.61 per 100,000, and particularly distributed in Uganda (429.31 per 100,000). The early reproductive period (15-19) showed the increasing age-standardized DALYs rate from 1990 to 2019, which was mainly driven by Malaysia (3.73% per year). Furthermore, countries with higher initial levels of the age-standardized DALYs rate were growing faster than those with lower levels.Conclusions: The burden of major depressive disorder attributed to intimate partner violence showed biological and spatial inequality, prioritized intervention should be targeted at vulnerable stage women in their early reproductive period and menopausal transition. Combined political, socio-cultural as well as medical measures to prevent violence and treat major depressive disorder should be implemented and developed.

Vulnerability to different biological stages of the burden of experiencing intimate partner violence leading to major depressive disorder in women. Women in their reproductive years and during the menopausal transition were more vulnerable.Intimate partner violence-induced depressive disorder is trending younger, with an increasing burden on girls aged 15­19 over the past 30 years.The burden of major depressive disorder attributed to intimate partner violence varies increasingly across countries.

Association between history of interparental violence and alcohol abuse among reproductive-age women: Evidence from the Peruvian Demographic and Health Survey.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to domestic violence by triggering repetitive distress and fear can affect neurodevelopmental and mental health in the short and long term. This, in turn, has been linked to an increased risk of substance abuse, such as alcohol abuse in adulthood. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate the association between exposure to violence from the father toward the mother and alcohol abuse in Peruvian women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: We conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Peruvian Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES) of 2019. A total of 19,980 reproductive-aged women (15-49 years old) were surveyed using the Health Questionnaire during 2019. The dependent variable of the study was alcohol abuse, collected through self-report, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria. Intimate partner violence (IPV; violence perpetrated by the father against the mother) was considered as the exposure variable. To assess the association of interest, we only considered observations with complete data and used binary logistic regression models, calculating crude odds ratios and adjusted odds ratios (aOR). For the multivariable model, we adjusted for confounding variables (age, marital status, education level, wealth index, ethnicity, residence, current smoker, depression, and IPV). RESULTS: We analyzed a final sample of 9953 women. The prevalence of interparental violence and alcohol abuse was 41.3% and 1.5%, respectively. We found that interparental violence was associated with higher odds of alcohol abuse (aOR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.03-4.28) after adjusting for age, marital status, education level, wealth level, ethnicity, area of residence, current smoking, depression, and IPV. CONCLUSION: We identified that women of reproductive age who have been exposed to interparental violence were at higher odds of experiencing alcohol abuse issues.

Understanding the link between witnessing parental violence and alcohol abuse in Peruvian womenWitnessing violence between parents during childhood can leave deep emotional scars. This study explores whether such experiences are related to alcohol abuse among Peruvian women in their adult years. Using data from a national health survey in Peru, the experiences of nearly 20,000 women were analyzed to determine if witnessing violence between their parents during childhood was linked to alcohol problems later in life. Responses from the 2019 Peruvian Demographic and Family Health Survey were examined, focusing on women's reports of childhood exposure to violence between parents and current alcohol abuse, controlling for factors like age, education, and mental health. The study found that women who witnessed their parents engaging in violence were more likely to abuse alcohol as adults. About 41% of the women reported seeing such violence, and of these, a higher proportion struggled with alcohol compared to those who did not witness violence. Understanding the link between childhood experiences and adult behaviors can help develop targeted interventions to prevent alcohol abuse. This research highlights the need for support systems that help women cope with the emotional impacts of childhood trauma, potentially reducing alcohol-related problems in the future.

Stability of Patient Social Determinants of Health With a Focus on Food Insecurity.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: Many health systems screen patients for social determinants of health and refer patients with social needs to community service organizations for assistance. However, few studies have examined how social determinants of health change over time in the same individuals. METHODS: We examined patients screened by The MetroHealth System in Cleveland, Ohio for 11 social determinants of health, including food insecurity, financial strain, transportation, housing stability, utilities affordability, other housing problems, intimate partner violence, social connection, physical activity, daily stress, and digital connectivity. We determined changes in these social determinants among patients screened at baseline and again after 6 to 18 months of follow-up. We further examined correlates of changes in food insecurity, because it is a common need among our patients and leads to numerous referrals to community organizations for assistance. RESULTS: A substantial majority of patients had no change in each social determinant. For example, among 18 038 patients screened twice for food insecurity, 13 913 (77.1%) did not screen positive for food insecurity at baseline and follow-up and 1726 (9.6%) screened positive for food insecurity at both times. A total of 1080 (6.0%) did not screen positive for food insecurity at baseline but screened positive at follow-up while 1319 (7.3%) screened positive for food insecurity at baseline but not at follow-up. Among patients screening positive for food insecurity at baseline, screening negative at follow-up was independently associated with being age ≥60 years (odds ratio [OR] = 1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-2.10), not screening positive for financial strain (OR = 1.64, CI = 1.27-2.13), not screening positive for housing problems (OR = 1.65, CI = 1.28-2.13), and not screening positive for intimate partner violence (OR = 1.45, OR = 1.02-2.08). A longer duration between baseline and follow-up screening was also independently associated with not screening positive for food insecurity at follow-up. Being referred for food assistance was not associated with absence of food insecurity at follow-up (OR = 0.71, CI = 0.47-1.08). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients report no change in specific social determinants of health over 6 to 18 months. Examining changes may identify subgroups at greatest risk for persistence of adverse determinants and help to evaluate the impact of assistance efforts.

HPV self-collection for cervical cancer screening among survivors of sexual trauma: a qualitative study.

Intimate partner violence affects 20-30% of women in the United States. Disparities in routine cervical cancer surveillance have been demonstrated in certain populations, including victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). This study examined and assessed the acceptability of high-risk HPV (hrHPV) self-collection among individuals who have experienced IPV. We conducted an observational study using qualitative data collection and analysis. We interviewed individuals with a history of IPV and who currently reside in Oregon. This study identified key themes describing knowledge and attitudes towards cervical cancer screening for individuals who have experienced IPV. They include: guideline knowledge, prior office-based cervical cancer screening experience, barriers to cervical cancer screening, at-home hrHPV self-collection experience, and testing confidence. Participants experienced fewer barriers and expressed increased comfort and control with hrHPV self-collection process. Individuals with a history of IPV have lower rates of cervical cancer screening adherence and higher rates of cervical dysplasia and cancer than other populations. The patient-centered approach of hrHPV self-collection for cervical cancer screening can reduce barriers related to the pelvic exam and empower patients to reduce their risks of developing cervical cancer by enabling greater control of the testing process.

The relationship between spousal violence, maternal functioning, depression, and anxiety among Iranian postpartum mothers: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Violence against women is a critical public health issue that adversely affects physical and mental health, contributing to injuries, chronic conditions, and mental health disorders. This study addresses the gap in understanding the relationship between spousal violence with maternal functioning and mental health in postpartum mothers. METHODS: This Prospective study was conducted on 316 postpartum women who gave birth in Al-Zahra and Taleghani Educational Treatment Centers in Tabriz, Iran, from June 2023 to October 2023. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and followed up for 6-8 weeks. The data were collected using the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale (PSAS), and the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF). A general linear model, adjusted for individual, social, and obstetric variables, was used to determine the relationship between domestic violence, maternal functioning, depression and anxiety. RESULTS: Most women (84%) experienced one or more types of intimate partner violence (IPV), including psychological, physical, or sexual abuse. About one-third (32.9%) reported psychological abuse, 21.2% physical violence, 49.4% sexual coercion, and 6.3% reported injuries. The adjusted general linear model showed that the mean depression score was lower in individuals without any experience of violence compared to those who had experienced any violence (ß: -1.75; 95% CI: -3.40 to -0.10; p = 0.038). The mean depression score was significantly higher in homemakers compared to employed individuals (ß = 3.53; 95% CI = 1.22 to 5.84, p = 0.003). The mean maternal functioning score was significantly higher in those who had not experienced mild physical violence compared to those who had (ß = 2.94; 95% CI = 0.34 to 5.55, p = 0.027). The mean anxiety score was lower in individuals with high income (ß: -3.38; 95% CI: -5.73 to -1.04; p = 0.005) and moderate income (ß: -2.21; 95% CI: -4.35 to -0.07; p = 0.043) compared to those with low income. CONCLUSION: The findings reveal a high prevalence of violence, particularly sexual coercion, significantly affecting maternal functioning and mental health. Socioeconomic factors also play a crucial role in postpartum mental health. These results highlight the urgent need for enhanced prevention efforts and targeted interventions that consider the socio-economic context and specific forms of violence.

The effects of exposure to dating violence and cyber victimization of female university students on resilience and happiness levels.

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of exposure to dating violence and cyber victimization of female university students on resilience and happiness levels. METHODS: The data of this descriptive and correlational study were obtained from 400 female students studying at the Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing between December 2021 and April 2022 via a personal information form, the Cyber Victim Scale (CVS), the Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), and the Oxford Happiness Inventory - Brief Form (OHI). In data analysis, Independent Samples t-Test, Pearson Correlation, and Linear Regression analysis were used together with descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Of the students, 6.5 % were exposed to physical, 8.3 % to economic, 9.8 % to sexual, 28.8 % to verbal, and 53.8 % to emotional dating violence. A significant difference was found between students' exposure to verbal (p = 0.013) dating violence and their resilience. A significant difference was also found between students' exposure to verbal and sexual (p = 0.04) dating violence and their happiness. There was a significant, negative, poor correlation between the mean of the female students' CVS scores and the BRS (r = -0.178, p < 0.001) and OHI scores (r = -0.247, p < 0.001). It was concluded that cyber victimization is a risk factor for resilience and happiness of the female university students. CONCLUSION: Early detection of dating violence and cyber victimization among university students is important in combating violence. In addition, considering that cyber victimization affects the level of psychological resilience and happiness, students' awareness of cyber victimization should be increased in the fight against cyber victimization to increase the mental health of young people.

Interpersonal Violence Against Indigenous Sámi and Non-Sámi Populations in Arctic Sweden and the Mediating Effect of Historical Losses and Discrimination.

The prevalence of interpersonal violence has been reported at higher levels among Indigenous than non-Indigenous populations worldwide, but has not been thoroughly investigated among the Sámi population in Sweden. The aims of this study were to investigate: (1) the prevalence of emotional, physical, and sexual violence and violence by intimate partners, family members, acquaintances, and strangers among participants identifying as Sámi or Swedish, (2) whether reporting experiences of historical losses and discrimination mediated the anticipated association between identifying as Sámi and reporting experiences of violence, and (3) whether background characteristics were associated with reporting experiences of violence. Cross-sectional questionnaire data collected in 2021 for the "Health and Living conditions in Sápmi" study were used. All adults in an arctic region in Sweden were invited to participate (response rate: 41%). Respondents self-identifying as Sámi (n = 375; 24.7%) or Swedish (n = 1,144; 75.3%) were included in this study. Sámi respondents of both sexes more often reported violence by an acquaintance or stranger. Likewise, more Sámi than Swedish women reported family violence (16.4% vs. 9.2%), but there was no difference concerning intimate partner violence (13.3% vs. 15.4%). Mediation analyses revealed strong positive indirect effects of historical losses and discrimination on the different types of violence. Being female was the strongest predictor of reporting intimate partner violence, and younger age was associated with violence by all perpetrators except family members. In conclusion, interpersonal violence was more often reported by Sámi respondents, but the association was explained in full by experiences of historical losses and discrimination. The results underline the importance of a life-course and even intergenerational and historical perspectives when investigating interpersonal violence.

Multi-level predictors of young people's attitudes towards gender biases concerning rape, sexual and domestic violence in intimate relationships among young people, Ebonyi State, Southeast Nigeria.

This study assessed multi-level factors that shape young people's attitudes towards gender biases about rape, sexual, and domestic violence in intimate relationships. This cross-sectional study was undertaken in three urban and three rural communities in Ebonyi State, southeast Nigeria. Data were collected from 1,020 young people using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed using STATA. Findings revealed that most(64%) young people agree that when a girl doesn't physically fight back, you cannot really say it was rape. Many agreed that a girl who is raped is promiscuous or has a bad reputation (50%) and usually did something careless to put herself in that situation(45%). Young girls were approximately 2 times more likely to have positive attitudes towards sexual violence, rape, and domestic violence in intimate relationships than young boys (OR=1.5;P<0.01). Multi-level strategies to effectively address adverse gender norms and inequalities in intimate relationships are highly recommended.

Cette étude a évalué les facteurs à plusieurs niveaux qui façonnent les attitudes des jeunes à l'égard des préjugés sexistes concernant le viol, la violence sexuelle et domestique dans les relations intimes. Cette étude transversale a été entreprise dans trois communautés urbaines et trois communautés rurales de l'État d'Ebonyi, au sud-est du Nigeria. Les données ont été recueillies auprès de 1 020 jeunes à l'aide d'un questionnaire administré par un intervieweur. Des analyses de régression descriptive et logistique ont été effectuées à l'aide de STATA. Les résultats ont révélé que la plupart (64 %) des jeunes conviennent que lorsqu'une fille ne se défend pas physiquement, on ne peut pas vraiment dire qu'il s'agit d'un viol. Beaucoup conviennent qu'une fille violée est une promiscuité ou a une mauvaise réputation (50%) et a généralement fait quelque chose de négligent pour se mettre dans cette situation (45%). Les jeunes filles étaient environ 2 fois plus susceptibles d'avoir des attitudes positives à l'égard de la violence sexuelle, du viol et de la violence domestique dans les relations intimes que les jeunes garçons (OR=1,5 ; P<0,01). Des stratégies à plusieurs niveaux pour lutter efficacement contre les normes de genre défavorables et les inégalités dans les relations intimes sont fortement recommandées.

Understanding experiences of non-physical maltreatment in childhood in Canada: What is the relationship with suicidal ideation and mental health disorders?

Background: Physical and sexual childhood abuse are associated with suicidal ideation and mental health disorders. However, less is known about non-physical types of maltreatment. This study examined associations between non-physical types of child maltreatment (e.g., emotional abuse, interpersonal aggression, exposure to physical intimate partner violence, emotional and physical neglect) and suicidal ideation, and mental health disorders. Data and methods: Data from the 2018 Survey of Safety in Public and Private Spaces were used to estimate the proportion of individuals 15 years and older in Canada who experienced non-physical maltreatment during childhood. Multivariable regression analyses were used to examine associations between five types of non-physical child maltreatment and suicidal ideation, and mental health disorders. Results: Overall, interpersonal aggression was the most common (45.7%), followed by emotional abuse (40.4%) and emotional neglect (20.0%). Individuals who experienced any type of non-physical maltreatment in childhood had a higher probability of lifetime suicidal ideation than those who never experienced the maltreatment examined. Mood disorder diagnoses were more likely among those who experienced emotional abuse, interpersonal aggression, and emotional neglect than among those who never experienced these types of maltreatment. Compared with those who never experienced the maltreatment examined, individuals who experienced emotional abuse, interpersonal aggression, emotional neglect, or physical neglect were more likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder were more likely among those who experienced emotional and physical neglect than among those who never experienced these types of maltreatment. Interpretation: Non-physical child maltreatment is associated with suicidal ideation and mental health disorders. The findings highlight the importance of including non-physical types of child maltreatment on population-based surveys to differentiate associations with mental health outcomes to better align interventions and policies.

Healthy lifestyle factors and male perpetration of intimate partner violence: a cross-sectional study in Mwanza, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: In Tanzania, nearly half of ever-married women have experienced some form of intimate partner violence (IPV), yet little knowledge of IPV from the male perspective exists. OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of essential healthy lifestyle factors, diet, sleep, and exercise, and their potential role in IPV perpetration. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1,002 young men (ages 18-24), 754 of which were in an intimate relationship in the previous year. The study took place in Mwanza, Tanzania and used multivariable logistic regression models to explore associations between male perpetration of IPV and diet, sleep, and exercise. RESULTS: Six types of IPV perpetration were investigated separately and the prevalence of controlling behaviours (79.4%), economic abuse (30.6%), emotional abuse (47.3%), physical violence (16.4%), sexual violence (23.3%), and combined physical and/or sexual violence (32.1%) were obtained. Regular exercise demonstrated a protective effect for economic abuse perpetration; the chance of mildly active individuals perpetrating economic abuse was 38% less than their inactive counterparts (p = 0.003). Associations with sleep were varied and did not show a clear directional relationship. Diet, defined as poor food variety, was positively associated with every IPV type except physical violence and was significant in sexual violence perpetration (aOR:1.57, 95%CI:1.21-2.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study indicate that considering healthy lifestyle behaviours - diet, sleep, and exercise - in the design of intervention programmes may be beneficial in reducing IPV perpetration in Tanzania, and that they should be considered alongside previously established evidence-based risk factors.

Main findings: Physical healthy lifestyle factors may play a weak role in male-perpetrated intimate partner violence but may not be as important as mental health and relationship dynamics.Added knowledge: Limited information exists on potential causes and pathways of male-perpetrated intimate partner violence.Global health impact for policy and action: The results presented can aid in guiding the development of future intimate partner violence interventions and prevention strategies.

Trauma Theory and Abuse, Neglect and Violence Across the Life Course.

A literature review of recent prevalence and prospective studies on interpersonal violence (IPV) identifies a link among child abuse, intimate partner violence, and elder abuse that had not emerged from life-stage-specific studies on abuse, neglect, and violence against older persons. In line with a developmental understanding of IPV from a life course perspective, early life trauma is emerging as an explanatory theory of IPV across the life course. This paradigm shift in the field of elder abuse challenges more traditional explanations of IPV in old age, such as ageism, but opens up new opportunities for interventions leading to prevention and treatment of abuse, neglect, and violence against older adults. Prevalence studies that include older subjects and questions about violence experienced as children and younger adults consistently identify child abuse as a risk factor for IPV experienced in old age. Similarly, prospective studies on IPV that follow subjects from childhood to old age identify lifetime patterns of abuse. Qualitative studies of IPV in old age that include retrospective data suggest a link as well. IPV perpetrated against children and adults of all ages by persons in positions of trust can lead to trauma that has adverse lifelong behavioral and relational implications. This provides a link between trauma theory and violence against older people. Until recently, abuse, neglect, and violence were conceptualized differently based on the life stage of the victim. While historically the definitions for partner and non-partner violence diverged based on the life stage of victims, more recently this has begun to converge. Understanding violence from a life course and trauma-informed perspective better identifies risk factors and interventions for IPV against older adults. Intersectionality of age and gender variables demonstrate differences and similarities among populations studied.

Childhood Maltreatment, Revictimization, and Partner Violence Victimization Through Midlife: A Prospective Longitudinal Investigation.

Existing research suggests that prior victimizations during a person's lifetime, particularly childhood traumas and maltreatment, are risk factors for abuse and revictimization in adulthood, although longitudinal evidence is sparse. Using data from a 30-year ongoing longitudinal study of the long-term consequences of childhood maltreatment, this paper describes the extent to which childhood maltreatment predicts subsequent victimization and partner violence victimization at two time points in adulthood. Data were obtained from a prospective cohort design study in which children with court-substantiated cases of maltreatment (ages 0-11 years) and demographically matched controls were followed into adulthood and interviewed over several waves. Childhood maltreatment was assessed through juvenile and adult court records from 1967 to 1971 in a midwestern county area in the United States. Victimization experiences were assessed from 2000 to 2002 (Mage = 39.5 years) and 2009 to 2010 (Mage = 47.5) and included two types based on information from the lifetime trauma and victimization history instrument and questions about past year partner violence victimization. Individuals with histories of childhood maltreatment were more likely to report physical and sexual assaults and kidnapping and stalking victimization than controls through age 39.5. In contrast, the two groups did not differ at the later assessment at age 47.5, except maltreated individuals reported greater risk for sexual assault/abuse than controls. For intimate partner violence victimization at age 39.5, maltreated and control groups differed only in terms of victimization involving injury. Later in adulthood, more individuals with histories of childhood maltreatment reported partner physical violence victimization compared to controls. Although these longitudinal findings showed a general decline in victimization experiences over the two time points, these results demonstrate that childhood maltreatment increases risk for subsequent revictimization in middle adulthood, specifically for sexual assault/abuse and intimate partner physical violence victimization. These findings have implications for prevention and intervention efforts targeting maltreated children.

Lifetime Revictimization: Evidence From the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study.

Despite the documented increasing prevalence of elder abuse victimization and its devastating health effects, a life-course view of the victimization experiences of older adults has rarely been adopted in the elder abuse literature. The current study investigated lifetime links between victimization experiences by examining the indirect effect of adverse childhood experiences (ACE) on elder abuse victimization via intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization in middle adulthood, and whether this indirect association would differ by gender. Using data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, we analyzed the previous and current victimization experiences of a total of 5,391 older adults in their early 70s and estimated mediational and moderated mediation models. The key results indicated that a higher ACE score was associated with exposure to IPV victimization in middle adulthood, which was in turn associated with exposure to elder abuse victimization. This indirect association was stronger for women than for men. Regarding specific types of childhood victimization, parental physical abuse, sexual abuse, and witnessing domestic violence significantly predicted elder abuse victimization via IPV victimization. Our results support the phenomenon of lifetime victimization, whereby an individual experiences reoccurring forms of victimization across the life course from childhood to late adulthood. Findings highlight the compelling need for the assessment of cumulative victimization experiences and their impact on elder abuse victims. A life-course-based, trauma-informed approach would greatly enhance prevention and intervention services for elder abuse.

Intimate partner violence among pregnant women attending a low-resource primary care facility in Ghana.

BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence in pregnancy is a significant public health issue that has several detrimental effects. Pregnant women subjected to intimate partner violence (IPV) have a higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence, patterns and factors associated with intimate partner violence among pregnant women attending a primary care antenatal clinic. METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed to study intimate partner violence among 269 pregnant women in Accra, Ghana between July and October 2021. Participants were selected by systematic sampling technique. The self-reported Composite Abuse Scale was used to assess and classify intimate partner violence. Socio-demographic, clinical (obstetric) and behavioural characteristics were obtained with a structured questionnaire. Associations were determined between independent and dependent variables using the chi-squared test, and logistic regression with adjusted odds ratio (AOR). The statistical significance level was set at a p-value ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of IPV was 11.2%. The prevalence of emotional/psychological abuse, harassment/controlling behaviour, physical abuse, sexual abuse and severe combined abuse were 12.3%, 13.0%, 8.2%, 3.3% and 8.9% respectively. Pregnant women who were employed had reduced odds of experiencing IPV [AOR = 0.16 (95%CI: 0.05-0.47), p = 0.001], however, the past experience of violence [AOR = 4.9 (95%CI: 1.06-22.96), p = 0.042], alcohol use by women [AOR = 7.8 (95%CI: 1.63-37.42), p = 0.01], and partners' alcohol consumption [AOR = 10.0 (95%CI: 3.22-31.26), p<0.001] were associated with increased odds of IPV. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of IPV among pregnant women in this study from a resource-limited setting. The factors found to be associated with IPV in pregnancy were the employment status of women, alcohol consumption by women or their partners and a previous history of violence. Healthcare providers in primary care need to recognize IPV as a medical condition that can occur in pregnancy and be ready to assist and manage the victims when it is detected.

Experiences of menopausal transition among populations exposed to chronic psychosocial stress in the United States: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The transition to menopause is a significant event affecting health, well-being, and quality of life. Menopause typically occurs between the ages of 44-57, accompanied by symptoms such as hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. Being postmenopausal also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. Despite its importance, menopause is under-researched and under-discussed, particularly concerning the impact of chronic psychosocial stress. METHODS: A scoping review of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research was conducted to map existing literature on the transition to menopause among populations experiencing chronic psychosocial stress in the United States. The review followed the PRISMA-ScR methodology, systematically searching literature in PubMed and SCOPUS databases using MeSH terms. Studies were included which focused on menopausal symptoms and psychosocial stressors. Data extraction and charting were performed using Covidence software. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included, highlighting relationships between socioeconomic status, intimate partner violence, childhood abuse, and racial disparities which influenced menopausal experiences. Lower- income, higher perceived stress, and negative attitudes towards menopause were associated with increased psychological and somatic symptoms and early onset of menopause (prior to age 45). African American women were found to experience earlier onset and more severe vasomotor symptoms compared to their White counterparts. Women veterans used hormone therapy more frequently than the general population, particularly those with mood or anxiety disorders. The review also identified a geographic bias, with most studies conducted in the Northeast, Midwest, and Western regions of the United States. CONCLUSIONS: This review underscores the necessity of considering social, cultural, and environmental factors in understanding menopausal experiences and addressing health disparities. Future research should aim to include diverse populations and adopt longitudinal and qualitative study designs to capture the dynamic nature of menopausal experiences. Policies and interventions directed at improving the well-being of women experiencing menopause in the context of chronic psychosocial stress are warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: N/A.

Intimate partner violence types are differentially associated with substance use among young, urban, sexual minority men of color.

Sexual minority men of color report intimate partner violence (IPV) and substance use at elevated rates compared to heterosexual peers, but little is known about how types (physical/sexual, controlling, monitoring, emotional) of perpetration and victimization are connected to types of substance use. Associations between past-6-month IPV experiences and substance use (tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, poppers, cocaine) were examined among sexual minority men (N = 414; 18-27 years). IPV victimization and perpetration were reported by 22% and 14% of the sample. Any victimization and controlling victimization were positively correlated with tobacco use, physical victimization was positively correlated with cocaine and poppers use, and monitoring victimization was negatively correlated with cannabis and poppers use. Any perpetration was positively correlated with tobacco use and binge drinking, and emotional perpetration was positively correlated with binge drinking. Understanding and addressing IPV victimization and perpetration experiences are critical for understanding risk conferred by IPV in this population.

Domestic violence and associated factors among pregnant women in sub-Saharan African countries from the recent demographic and health survey data: a multilevel analysis.

Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a human rights violation that often involves violence against women, which appears to be the most prevalent type of abuse. IPV is a global public health issue with major human rights violations. Pregnant women's IPV needs special consideration because of the possible harm that might happen to mothers and their fetuses. The enormous global public health issue of IPV affects physical, mental, and sexual transgressions. Even though there were studies conducted on IPV among women, few studies were conducted among pregnant women in sub-Saharan African countries. Therefore, this study revealed IPV and associated factors among pregnant women from the recent Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in sub-Saharan African countries. Methods: Multilevel logistic regression analysis used data from the recent sub-Saharan African countries DHS was carried out using this secondary data. For this study, pregnant women between the ages of 15 and 49 were included; the total sample size was 17,672. Multilevel logistic regression models were calibrated to determine the associated factors at the individual and community level with IPV, with a 95% CI and AOR. Results: The prevalence of IPV among pregnant women in 23 sub-Saharan African countries was 41.94%, with a 95% CI of 40.82 to 43.06%. Poorer and poorest [AOR = 1.92; 95% CI: (1.01, 3.67)] and [AOR = 2.01; 95% CI:(1.02, 3.92)], partner alcohol drink [AOR = 3.37;95% CI:(2.21, 5.14)], and no partner education [AOR = 2.01;95% CI:(1.12, 3.63)] were statistically associated factors with IPV among pregnant women. Conclusion: The prevalence of IPV among pregnant women in sub-Saharan African countries was high (41.94%). Low economic status, partner drinking alcohol, and partner no education were the associated factors of IPV. This finding provides clues for policymakers and other organizations concerned about women.

Intimate Partner Violence and Breastfeeding Outcomes Among Canadian Women: An Exploratory Correlational Study.

PURPOSE: Human breastmilk is the optimal nutrition for infants; however, preliminary research suggests that women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) are less likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding. Self-efficacy is a known facilitator to achieve positive breastfeeding outcomes. This study aimed to explore the relationship between experiencing IPV and breastfeeding duration, exclusivity, and self-efficacy for Canadian mothers, and to identify potential variables that influence breastfeeding decision-making among women with experiences of IPV. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional secondary analysis of surveys completed by 129 mothers with children under the age of 2 years from Ontario, Canada. Data were stratified according to those who had experienced IPV and those who had not. Breastfeeding outcomes assessed included breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding duration and exclusivity. Non-parametric tests and correlations were used to determine if relationships existed between IPV and breastfeeding outcomes. RESULTS: 72.3% (n = 94) of women in this sample breastfed their child(ren). Experiencing IPV was associated with lower breastfeeding self-efficacy scores (W = 768, p = 0.055) with a moderate effect size (r = 0.32 [95% 0.06,0.55]). This relationship was significant in the context of psychological abuse (W = 816.5, p = 0.015) with a small effect size (r = 0.22 [95% 0.03,0.41]). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides novel preliminary evidence suggesting that experiencing IPV of any type can negatively impact breastfeeding self-efficacy, with psychological abuse potentially being the most detrimental. Future research is required to build upon these findings.