Prevalence of Domestic Violence and associated Depression in married women at a Tertiary care hospital in Karachi

Abstract

ObjectivesTo study the prevalence of domestic violence among married women presenting to the psychiatric setting at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi and to identify associated depression in these married females DesignCross-sectional, questionnaire-based study SettingAga Khan University Hospital Psychiatry Department Participants171 Married female patients presenting to outpatient and in-patient department of Psychiatry at Aga Khan University hospital Main outcome measuresProportion that had experienced domestic violence, different forms of such violence and associated depression. ResultsMore than one form of Domestic violence was reported by 69.5% of total 171 females. Been shouted at, reported by 32.2%, been threatened by 25.1%, Slapping by 20.5%, kicking by 14%, been pushed or shoved reported by 21.1%, threaten or use of a weapon reported by 8.8%. 62% females were currently depressed. ConclusionA large number of married women presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, report to be enduring more than one form of domestic violence simultaneously. A good chunk of these women also report to be suffering from depression at the same time.