Contraceptive Use Among Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence and Reproductive Coercion: The Moderating Role of PTSD and Depression

Authors

Jessica L. Zemlak, Marquette UniversityFollow
Lea Marineau, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
Tiara C. Willie, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Helena Addison, University of Pennsylvania
Gabrielle Edwards, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing
Trace Kershaw, Yale University
Kamila A. Alexander, Johns Hopkins School of Nursing

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2023

Publisher

SAGE

Source Publication

Violence Against Women

Source ISSN

1077-8012

Original Item ID

DOI: 10.1177/10778012231153372

Abstract

Women experiencing reproductive coercion (RC) report more unintended pregnancies and mental health symptoms that can influence contraceptive use patterns. We examined associations between RC and contraceptive use among intimate partner violence (IPV) exposed women aged 18–35 (N = 283). We tested depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and co-morbid depression and PTSD as effect modifiers. Though no association was found between RC and contraception, PTSD significantly modified this relationship. Among Black women (n = 112), those reporting RC and either PTSD or comorbid PTSD and depression were less likely to use partner-independent contraception compared to those reporting RC without mental health symptoms. PTSD could be a barrier to contraceptive choice among this population.

Comments

Violence Against Women, 2023. DOI. Online before print.

Recommended Citation

Zemlak, Jessica L.; Marineau, Lea; Willie, Tiara C.; Addison, Helena; Edwards, Gabrielle; Kershaw, Trace; and Alexander, Kamila A., "Contraceptive Use Among Women Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence and Reproductive Coercion: The Moderating Role of PTSD and Depression" (2023). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 974.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/974