Factors Associated With the Chronicity of Intimate Partner Violence Experiences Among Pregnant Women in Detoxification Services.

The purpose of this study was to assess factors associated with chronicity of intimate partner violence (IPV) among pregnant substance abusers. A total of 114 pregnant women entering an inpatient, detoxification unit voluntarily agreed to participate in a study about women's health and well-being. Face-to-face interviews were used for data collection. A multiple linear regression assessed the relationship between background characteristics, substance use, and IPV chronicity. Protective factors, which were associated with reduced chronicity of IPV, included whether most recent/current intimate partner fathered pregnancy, whether the mother was currently in a relationship with most recent/current intimate partner, whether the mother received greater social support, and increasing age. Childhood sexual abuse was associated with increased chronicity of IPV. Results suggest important prevention, intervention, and treatment implications for this vulnerable population.