Depression as a mediator between intimate partner violence and postpartum sexual issues: a structural analysis

INTRODUCTION: No studies were found that evaluate the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) before childbirth and sexual issues in the postpartum period.

METHOD: A cross-sectional study with 700 women who received prenatal care in a basic health unit in São Paulo, between 2006 and 2007. Sexual issues were assessed through a questionnaire created by the authors, and intimate partner violence was evaluated using a structured questionnaire developed by the WHO. Postpartum depression was evaluated using the SRQ-20 instrument, with a cut-off point of 7/8 considered to be the mediating variable. A path analysis was performed to determine the different pathways: the direct association between outcome and exposure, and the indirect pathways through the mediator.

RESULTS: The prevalence of sexual issues, intimate partner violence and postpartum depression were 30; 42.8; 27.8%, respectively. Violence occurring exclusively before childbirth did not show a direct association (ED = 0.072 (-0.06 - 0.20, p = 0.060)) or indirect (EI: 0.045 (-0.06 - 0.20, p = 0.123)), with sexual issues.

CONCLUSION: Longitudinal studies that include other mediators may provide a better understanding of the causal chain and elucidate variables that influence postpartum sexuality issues.