Prevalence and predictors of intimate partner violence in alcohol use disorder

Abstract

Context: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health problem because of its detrimental effects on the physical and mental health of the victim. It is well-established that alcohol increases the occurrence and severity of violence between the partners. Aims: To find the prevalence and predictors of IPV in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Settings and Design: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at a De-addiction Centre of a Tertiary Government Hospital in New Delhi. Subjects and Methods: Thirty consecutive male patients were screened using International Classification of Diseases-10th Revision criteria for alcohol dependence syndrome. Their spouses were assessed using abusive behavior inventory for identifying physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis, and Chi-square test. Results: Overall 6 months prevalence of IPV was 90%. Prevalence was 90% for physical and psychological abuse and 76.7% for sexual abuse. Physical abuse score ranged from 1 to 4.5 (mean 2.38, standard deviation [SD] 1.01). Psychological abuse score ranged from 1 to 4.71 (mean 2.64, SD 1.01). Sexual abuse score ranged from 1 to 4 (mean 2.11, SD 0.92). Total IPV score ranged from 1 to 4.4 (mean of 2.5, SD 0.94). Education of patient and spouse were significant predictors of overall abuse. While patient's education and family history of alcohol use significantly predicted physical abuse, spouse's education predicted psychological abuse. The incidence of abuse (any type) was also significantly associated with the joint family type. Conclusion: Study shows high IPV among spouses of AUD patients. There is a need to screen IPV in AUD patients so that adequate support could be provided to affected women.