Study of intimate partner violence against women in an urban locality of Pune

Abstract

Context: Intimate partner violence against women has an adverse effect on the health of women. Aims: To estimate the proportion of physical, emotional, economical and sexual violence against women by the husband (intimate partner) and to identify factors that may put women at risk of violence by their husbands. Setting and Design: Cross-sectional study. Materials and Methods: A convenience consecutive sample of 369 married women (18-49 years age) attending the Out Patient Department (OPD) of the Urban Health Training Centre (UHTC) of a Medical College in Pune was interviewed using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. Statistical Analysis Used: Chi square test and Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to identify the risk factors. Results: Almost half of the study sample had experienced some form of violence. The associated factors with intimate partner violence were drinking alcohol by husband (OR = 4.54, 95% CI = 2.52, 8.18, P < 0.001), aggressive nature of husband (OR = 11.81, 95% CI = 3.53, 39.47, P < 0.001) and family history of domestic violence (OR = 11.0, 95% CI = 3.83, 31.63, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Intimate partner violence was high in our study. Risk factors for domestic violence were alcohol use by husband, aggressive nature of husband and family history of domestic violence.