Prevalence of domestic violence and its related factors in women referred to health centers in Khuzestan Province

Abstract

Background: Domestic violence is a risk factor for a wide range of health problems. This study investigated the prevalence of domestic violence and its related factors among women who attending health centers in four cities of Khuzestan provinces. Methods: In a descriptive-analytical study, 1820 women aged between 14-56 years who referred to health centers of Ahwaz, Abadan, Dezful and Andymeshk were studied. An interview-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Logistic regression model for the calculating the odds ratio was applied. Results: Overall prevalence of physical violence at any time of life was 20.2%. The prevalence of psychological, sexual and any type of violence were 41%, 10.9% and 47.3%, respectively. Logistic regression showed that experience of any type of violence has a significant relationship with literacy, employment, ethnicity, city of residence, age of women and history of psychiatric disorders in husbands. Conclusion: The prevalence of violence in Khuzestan was high. Health centers need to consider routine screening and referring victims of violence.