Factors for intimate partner violence [IPV] in urban Pakistani families

ABSTRACT

The present study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence [IPV] among women seeking healthcare services and identification of factors associated with Intimate Partner Violence [IPV] in this study sample. Cross-sectional research. Karachi, November 2007 to September 2008. There would be high rates of Intimate Partner Violence [IPV] among women seeking healthcare services. Women would report physical abuse, psychological abuse and sexual abuse. Age level, education, employment status, family income, family system, years of marital relation, number of children, nature of parental marital relations, cigarette smoking, childhood verbal and physical abuse of both husband and wife would be associated with Intimate Partner Violence [IPV]. The Study sample comprised of 500 women who came to seek healthcare from family health clinics and general O.P.D of some large hospitals of Karachi-Pakistan. Karachi Domestic Violence Screening Scale Urdu Version [KDVSS-U], Demographic Street. Descriptive Statistics and Pearson Correlation were applied for statistical analysis. Findings demonstrated high prevalence rates of IPV. Some specific demographic and social factors including low levels of education, poor employment status, childhood physical and verbal abuse, absence of parental support, and violence in family of origin found to be associated with the presence of IPV. Findings illustrated that women were at risk of IPV regardless of their age, employment status, years of marital relationship, number of children, and type of family system. Women's education, however, was found to be a protective factor against family violence. Husband's education, better employment status and family income were also found to be protective factors. Support from parents and in-laws were also a protective factor. Childhood physical and verbal abuse among husbands was associated with wife abuse. Presence of violence and abuse in family of origin of both spouses was also associated with violence in their own marriage. An average Pakistani woman still does not enjoy gender equality and independence, especially in terms of martial relationships