Socio-Demographic Predictors of Intimate Partner Violence in a Population Sample of Iranian Women

Abstract

Background: Domestic violence is a global problem in the world and it is a common cause of psychiatric disorders in women of the reproductive age. This study was aimed at determining the socio-demographic predictors of intimate partner violence. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 558 married women in Tabriz, Iran. Participants were selected through the cluster sampling. Data were collected using a socio-demographic characteristics questionnaire and the revised conflict tactics scale (CTS2). CTS2 consists of 39 pairs of statements and five sub-scales including negotiation, psychological, physical, sexual, and injuries sub-scales. It has eight response categories (0 to 7) for each items. Selecting options one to six for any item of each subscale was considered as presence, and selecting options zero or seven was considered as absence of that type of IPA. The multivariate logistic regression model was employed to determine the predictors of domestic violence dimensions. A P value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The highest prevalence of male domestic violence against women and female domestic violence against men was in the negotiation dimension, respectively 97% and 98.2%. The lowest prevalence of the male domestic violence against women was in the injury dimension (22.6%) and female domestic violence against men was in the sexual coercion dimension (32.8%). Age, husbands’ smoking, family income adequacy, consensual marriage, and husband’s first marriage were the predictive variables of domestic violence against both men and women. Woman’s job and woman’s job satisfaction were only the predictive variables of male domestic violence against women. Household members and spouse’s substance and alcohol abuse were only the predictive variables of female domestic violence against men. Conclusions: Considering the high prevalence of domestic violence and its relationship with certain socio-demographic factors in the present study, it is crucial to propose culturally-appropriate strategies for decreasing domestic violence to provide matrimonial stability and family solidarity.