Influence of intimate partner violence on behaviour, psychological status and school performance of children in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to determine the influence of intimate partner violence (IPV) on behaviour, psychological status and school performance of children among a randomly selected sample of 14- to17-year-old school children in the Chilaw MOH area of Sri Lanka. The study unit was mother—child dyads (N = 828 pairs) and the exposure (IPV) was assessed in mothers using a modified Abuse Assessment Questionnaire. The main outcomes were assessed in their children using a self-completed version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and reviewing school records. IPV was statistically significantly associated with all three outcomes studied separately when applying multivariate analysis for abnormal behaviour and psychological status, for school performance and for school attendance. It was concluded that IPV has a significant influence on a child’s behaviour and psychological status, school performance and attendance.