The Impact of Domestic Violence on Suicide Risk and Treatment Adherence in Women With Major Depression: An Observational Study

J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs. 2025 Dec 25. doi: 10.1111/jpm.70049. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Intimate partner violence (IPV) exacerbates depression, increases suicide risk, and disrupts treatment adherence in women, yet these interconnected issues are often overlooked in clinical settings.

AIM: This study aims to explore the impact of IPV on suicide risk and treatment adherence in married women with major depression, providing evidence to improve mental and primary healthcare for this population.

METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study adhered to STROBE guidelines for reporting observational research. The research was conducted at a psychiatry clinic of a city hospital in Turkiye. A stratified random sample of 124 married women with major depression, evenly split by IPV experience, ensured demographic balance. Data were collected using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Spousal Violence Scale (SVS), Suicide Probability Scale (SPS), and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS).

RESULTS: The average age of participants was 40.98 ± 10.03 years. The average scores were as follows: BDI: 31.45 ± 10.59, SVS: 76.73 ± 24.5, SPS: 77.53 ± 18.89, and MMAS: 2.35 ± 1.39. Positive correlations were found between BDI and IPVS scores, as well as BDI and SPS scores (p < 0.05). A negative correlation was found between BDI and MMAS scores (p < 0.05).

DISCUSSION: IPV increases depression severity and suicide risk while decreasing treatment adherence in married women with major depression.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: It is recommended that mental health nurses and primary care providers focus on interventions to reduce IPV and improve treatment adherence.

PMID:41445492 | DOI:10.1111/jpm.70049