Intimate Partner Violence, Loss of Control, and Adolescent Perception of Birth

Abstract

This secondary analysis used cross-sectional baseline data from a previous longitudinal study exploring the mental health of 303 postpartum adolescents to examine associations and predictors reflecting the perception of the birth experience among three race–ethnic groups. Analysis of two key variables, partner violence and loss of control (LOC) during labor, revealed no association. Race–ethnic differences were noted for demographic variables (marital status, birth mode, and stress level) and perception of the birth experience. Black ethnicity, multiparity, LOC, and vaginal birth were found to predict a negative perception of the birth experience. Health-care provider awareness of risk factors can guide perinatal assessments and supportive and educational interventions to promote a positive perception of birth.