Domestic violence against women in rural areas of Saharanpur: A population-based study on prevalence and risk factors.

BACKGROUND

Domestic violence (DV) against women is a global problem and is present in every country. It is a matter of serious concern in most communities and cultures and has consequences on women's mental, physical, reproductive, and sexual health. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and pattern of DV among married women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 reproductive age group females in the rural area of district Saharanpur for a period of six months using multistage random sampling.

RESULTS

The prevalence of DV was found to be 21%. The most common type of DV was physical violence (18%) followed by psychological violence (12.8%), financial violence (5.5%), and sexual violence (2.3%). The major perpetrators of DV were the husbands in 79% of the cases. Regression analysis depicted a significant association between age, education of husband, husband's addiction, and depression of study participants with events of DV. Multivariate analysis shows only the addictions of husbands and the depression status of study participants to be significantly associated with DV.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of DV was 21% which is still high and appropriate measures should be taken to strengthen the laws for women and to empower them.