Intimate partner violence and symptoms of reproductive tract infections among married Indian women

Abstract

ObjectiveTo assess the association of 3 types of intimate partner violence (IPV)—verbal, physical, and sexual—with self-reported symptoms of reproductive tract infections (RTIs) among married Indian women. MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of population-based data from the 2005–2006 Indian National Family Health Survey-3 was conducted. The sample comprised 65610 married Indian women of reproductive age (15–49years). ResultsOverall, 23.9% of women experienced at least 1 type of IPV, and 9.6% reported at least 1 RTI symptom in the year preceding the survey. Verbal, physical, and sexual IPV each demonstrated a significant independent effect on the reporting of genital sores and abnormal genital discharge. Additionally, the more types of IPV a woman experienced, the higher her odds of also reporting genital sores and abnormal genital discharge. ConclusionNo single type of IPV explains women’s risk of RTIs; rather, there are multiple pathways by which women’s experience of IPV can result in RTIs. Sexual and reproductive healthcare that incorporates IPV support services is needed to meet the special needs of abused women. Additionally, RTI screening should be considered by non-governmental organizations providing care for women who have experienced IPV, especially those who report multiple types of violence.