Association of induced abortion with bipolar disorder and major depression from the UK Biobank: a propensity score matching and weighting analysis.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the association between induced abortion (IA) and bipolar disorder and major depression (BDMD), and explore the dose-response relationship between them.

METHODS

We used cross-sectional data including 13,200 females from the UK Biobank. Self-reported IA was categorized into two groups: Non-IA(no history of induced abortion) and IA(≥ 1 induced abortions). Covariates adjustment, propensity score matching (PSM), and inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) were used to balance the baseline characteristics of the two groups. A three-knot restricted cubic spline regression model was used to examine the dose-response relationship between the number of IAs and BDMD.

RESULTS

IPTW multivariable logistic regression and PSM multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated that there was a significant association between IA and BDMD, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.25 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19 to 1.32) and 1.25 (95% CI: 1.10 to 1.41), respectively. There was a significant positive association between the number of IAs and BDMD. Specifically, for individuals reporting 1-2 IAs compared to none, the ORs were 1.25 (95% CI: 1.18 to 1.32) and 1.23 (95% CI: 1.09 to 1.40), and for those with ≥ 3 IAs, the ORs were 1.32 (95% CI: 1.10 to 1.59) and 1.55 (95% CI: 1.13 to 2.34). The three-knot restricted cubic spline regression model revealed a nonlinear relationship between the number of IAs and BDMD.

CONCLUSION

There is a significant association between IA and BDMD. Therefore, mental health care for women who reported experiencing induced abortion is crucial.