PRISMA Checklist.

Although intimate partner violence (IPV) is an established risk factor for mental health disorders, the impact of the various types of IPVs is not well understood. We examined the risk of exposure to IPV on generalized anxiety and depression among Nepalese women. Using data from the 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey, we performed a 1:1 propensity score matching restricted to women aged 15–49 with current or former intimate partner. The modified Poisson regression was used to assess the risk of anxiety or depression symptoms in women exposed to IPV, and E-values assessed sensitivity to unmeasured confounding. Of 4,245 women enrolled in the study, 350 (8.2%) had generalized anxiety, 259 (6.1%) had depressive disorders, and 1264 (29.8%) reported having experienced at least one form of IPV. Women exposed to any form of IPV were associated with a higher risk of anxiety (Adjusted risk ratio [aRR]=1.51; [95%CI: 1.17-1.96]; p = 0.002) and depression symptoms (aRR = 2.56; [95%CI: 1.92-3.40]; p < 0.001). The highest risk of depressive symptoms was observed among women who reported emotional or sexual IPV occurring together with male controlling behavior (aRR between 4.98 and 7.00; p < 0.001).However, the associations with generalized anxiety symptoms were modest across all forms of IPV co-occurring with male controlling behavior. That is, aRR = 1.84; ([95%CI: 0.87-3.90]; p = 0.111) for Physical IPV, aRR = 1.93; ([95%CI: 1.06-3.51]; p = 0.032) for Emotional IPV, and aRR = 1.21; ([95%CI: 0.61-2.39, p = 0.588]) for Sexual IPV. IPV is associated with an increased risk of generalized anxiety and depressive symptoms among Nepalese women. Sexual or physical violence co-occurring with male controlling behaviors poses higher mental health challenges, suggesting that male controlling behaviors may signify severe or prolonged abuse. Our findings support comprehensive interventions addressing mental health needs and the root causes of IPV.