Wife abuse in Esfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran, 2002

We carried out a cross-sectional study with cluster random sampling to study the status of wife abuse in Esfahan from April to July 2002. We interviewed 386 married women using a standard questionnaire. Mean age was 35.7 years (range 15-78 years). Prevalence of wife abuse was 36.8%; incidence was 29.3%. Types of abuse included inattention to wife's feelings 44.8%, threatening to prevent communicating with the wife's family 38.1%, slapping 31.9% and beating 27.2%. Husband's age, use of drugs or alcohol, smoking, income and number of children were all associated with wife abuse (P < 0.05). We recommend further investigation to detect the risk factors for wife abuse in this community along with mass education concerning sexual responsibility and conduct towards wives. We also advocate the promotion of supportive measures for abused women.