Intimate Partner Violence and Mental Health in Rural Women

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant problem; however, researchers and clinicians have not paid much attention.

To assess the prevalence of IPV among married rural women and its correlates.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural area. All the eligible females were assessed on the Intimate Partner Violence Questionnaire (IPVQ), Generalised Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9.

169 females included with the mean age of 35.8 years. The prevalence of lifetime experience of IPV was 29.0%. Controlling behaviour was most common, followed by physical violence, threatening behaviour and sexual behaviour. About one-fourth (26%) had depres-sion, and a little less than one-third (30.8%) had an anxiety disorder. Severity of depression and anxiety had a significant posi-tive correlation with IPV and other domains of IPV. Those participants whose husbands were consuming alcohol or other illicit drugs and were from a lower socio-economic status reported a significantly higher experience of IPV.

The stakeholders, such as community health organisations, Ministry of Family and Healthcare organisations and others, should work in collaboration with a non-govern-mental organisation in a coordinated and planned manner and can take a pivotal role in research, prevention of IPV and other psychiatric problems among rural females.