Violence against infertile women in an Iranian setting

Infertility as a distressing condition, is associated with numerous psychological and social consequences for couples. In addition, there is evidence to suggest that infertility may contribute to the occurrence of violence against women. The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence and factors associated with violence against Iranian women with infertility.

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2020, involving 310 infertile women who sought treatment at an infertility clinic in a referral women's hospital in Tehran. The eligible participants were selected using the consecutive sampling method. The Infertile Women's Exposure to Violence Determination Scale (IWEVDS) was used to collect data on violence. Data were analyzed using descriptive (Mean, frequency) and inferential statistics (Independent sample t-test, Chi-square, regression logistic) through the SPSS version 25.

The average score on the IWEVDS was found to be 43.89 ± 18.23, indicating a moderate level of violence. Out of the 310 participating infertile women, 84.2% reported experiencing violence. Among abused women, 67% experienced domestic violence, 76.2% encountered social pressure, 85.4% faced punishment, 88.9% were exposed to traditional practice, and 57.5% experienced exclusion. The main risk factors associated with violence were a low number of children, low economic status, and an increased duration of infertility.

This study's findings underline a high rate of violence experienced by infertile women. Therefore, it is crucial to screen women with infertility for violence and provide them with adequate support.