Assault victim history as a factor in depression during pregnancy

To examine the relationship between history of interpersonal assault victimization and severity of depressive symptoms during pregnancy.

Two hundred forty-eight pregnant, married women, aged 15-46 years presenting to obstetric clinics in Kuwait were assessed for lifetime history of assault victimization and other stressful events, marital conflict, family stress, and depressive symptoms using various self-report measures. An analysis of covariance was used to examine the effect of assault victim history on depression scores, using assault victim history and marital conflict as independent variables, and family stress and other stressful event scores as covariates.

Assault victim history, but not marital conflict, was significant in self-reported severity of depressive symptoms, even after controlling for effects of family stress and other stressful events (F = 11.58; P < .001). Specifically, regardless of marital conflict, women with assault victim histories (mean +/- standard deviation, 1.27 +/- 0.15) had significantly higher depression scores than those with no assault histories (0.78 +/- 0.14). Lack of statistical power might have limited detection of independent effects of marital conflict, and possible interactions between marital conflict and assault victim history.

Assault victim history has a significant influence on depressive symptoms in pregnant women. Routine assessment of detailed assault victim history and marital problems in obstetric patients is strongly recommended.