Abstract
This study aims to estimate the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) and its association with psychological distress and symptoms of post-traumatic stress (PTS) among Sami and non-Sami and to explore whether the association between IPV and mental health is modified by exposure to childhood violence (CV). These issues are scarcely studied among the Sami. This study was based on the cross-sectional SAMINOR 2 Questionnaire Survey, a part of the Population-based Study on Health and Living Conditions in Regions with Sami and Norwegian Populations (SAMINOR). Chi-square tests and two-sample t-tests were used to test differences between groups. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to explore the association between IPV/CV and continuous scores of psychological distress and symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Experiences of IPV (emotional, physical, and/or sexual) were reported by 12.8% of women and 2.0% of men. A significantly higher proportion of Sami women reported exposure to emotional (12.4 v. 9.5%, p = 0.003), physical (11.6 v. 6.9%, p < 0.001), and any IPV (17.2 v. 11.8%, p < 0.001) compared to non-Sami women. There were no ethnic differences in sexual IPV among women (2%). Exposure to IPV was associated with a higher score of psychological distress and PTS and was highest among those exposed to both IPV and CV. Sami women reported the highest prevalence of IPV. The association between IPV/CV and mental health problems did not differ by ethnicity or gender. The most severe mental health problems were observed for those who were exposed to both IPV and CV.
Highlights
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), intimate partner violence (IPV) includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse and controlling behaviour by an intimate partner and is a serious public health issue that adversely affects both mental and physical health [1]
It is estimated that approximately 30% of women who have been in relationships have experienced physical and/or sexual violence at the hands of an Correspondence: Astrid M.A
Sami women were younger than the non-Sami women, whereas there were no significant ethnic differences in age among men
Summary
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), intimate partner violence (IPV) includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse and controlling behaviour by an intimate partner and is a serious public health issue that adversely affects both mental and physical health [1]. The WHO has identified IPV as the most common form of violence against women [4]. Broad ranges of health outcomes, including mental health problems, have been associated with IPV among women [5,6]. Participants who reported that they themselves, their mother, father, or grandparents were affiliated with a Laestadian congregation were classified as Laestadianists. Respondents with no personal or familial affiliation to a Laestadian congregation were classified as non-Laestadianists (missing n = 145, 1.3%). The vast majority of participants were affiliated with the state church
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