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Trajectories of intimate partner violence, common mental disorders, and functioning among women of reproductive age
Susan J Rees1, Mohammed Mohsin1, Claire M Greene2
1Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales.
The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
|July 13, 2026
Summary
Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains high among women in Timor-Leste, while posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression symptoms decrease over time. Continued IPV prevention and support are crucial for women's well-being.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Global Mental Health
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Intimate partner violence (IPV), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depressive symptoms, and functional impairment are critical issues for women in conflict zones.
- Understanding the long-term dynamics of these issues is vital for effective policy and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the trajectories and interrelationships of IPV, depressive symptoms, PTSD, and functional impairment in reproductive-aged women in conflict-affected Timor-Leste.
- To inform policy and interventions by analyzing these health outcomes over time.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 854 women in Timor-Leste from 2013-2020.
- Four assessment points: pregnancy and child ages 18, 36, and 60 months.
- Latent growth curve modeling and bivariate analyses to assess trajectories and associations.
Main Results:
- IPV was consistently linked to increased risk of PTSD, depressive symptoms, and functional impairment.
- While IPV rates remained high, PTSD and depressive symptoms showed improvement over the study period.
- PTSD and depressive symptoms were positively correlated with functional impairment and past conflict trauma.
Conclusions:
- IPV prevention programs and stronger legal/social sanctions are necessary to reduce violence against women.
- Improvements in women's mental health may be influenced by the passage of time since conflict or childbirth.
- Addressing IPV is critical for improving the long-term health and functioning of women in post-conflict settings.
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