Disability-Related Disparities in Screening for Intimate Partner Violence During the Perinatal Period: A Population-Based Study

Abstract

Background

Persons with disabilities are at higher risk of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) during the perinatal period than persons without disabilities. Although screening for IPV during the perinatal period is recommended by many organizations, little is known about screening rates for IPV by disability status.

Methods

Our objective was to compare rates of IPV screening during the perinatal period among persons with and without disabilities in the United States. A cross-sectional sample of 43,837 respondents provided data on disability, including difficulty in vision, hearing, ambulation, cognition, communication, and self-care. We conducted a secondary analysis of nationally representative data from the 2018–2020 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System.

Results

During pregnancy, respondents with disabilities had a lower odds of IPV screening as compared with respondents without disabilities (adjusted odds ratio .83, 95% confidence interval [.70, .99]). Despite similar screening rates in the 12 months before conception and postpartum among respondents with and without disabilities who attended health care visits, those with disabilities were less likely to receive pregnancy-related care during pregnancy (p < .0001) and in the postpartum period (p < .0001) and thus missed opportunities to be screened.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate a need for health care providers to collaborate with policy makers, disability advocates, and researchers to reduce the disparities people with disabilities face in accessing health care, including screening for IPV during the perinatal period. Such efforts are essential for maximizing the health and safety of pregnant persons and new parents with disabilities and their children during the perinatal period.