Intimate partner violence and its association with mental disorders among women in the general population, pregnant women and postpartum women: systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major global health and human rights issue. However, the association between IPV and specific mental disorders across different life stages, including pregnancy and postpartum, remains insufficiently quantified. Aims This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the associations between IPV and mental disorders among women in the general population, pregnant women and postpartum women. Method We searched six databases to identify cross-sectional, case–control and cohort studies published between 1 January 1980 and 13 June 2024. A random-effects meta-analysis model was performed to derive the pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results Of 7326 records identified, 82 studies with a total of 140 286 participants were included. For women in the general population, lifetime IPV was significantly associated with depression (odds ratio 2.26, 95% CI 1.83–2.79, p < 0.0001; class 1; moderate). Past-year IPV also demonstrated significant associations with depression (odds ratio 2.36, 95% CI 1.61–3.45, p < 0.0001; class 3; very low) and anxiety (odds ratio 2.85, 95% CI 1.61–5.05, p = 0.0003; class 3; low) among women in the general population. IPV during pregnancy was notably associated with depression (odds ratio 3.59, 95% CI 2.48–5.20, p < 0.0001; class 2; very low) and anxiety (odds ratio 3.27, 95% CI 2.60–4.10, p < 0.0001; class 1; moderate) in pregnant women. For postpartum women, lifetime IPV exposure was significantly linked to depression (odds ratio 2.09, 95% CI 1.54–2.83, p < 0.0001; class 3; moderate). Conclusions IPV is associated with depression, anxiety and eating disorders among women in the general population, pregnant women and postpartum women. Tackling the root causes of IPV and improving access to mental health services are critical steps in mitigating the long-term psychological burden on women worldwide.