RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Prevalence of both domestic violence (DV) and alcohol use is reported to be high in Kerala. The prevalence of DV and psychological morbidity in spouses of alcohol-dependent males has not been studied objectively. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was undertaken to study the occurrence of DV and psychological morbidity-major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorders, and adjustment disorders-in spouses of alcohol-dependent males attending the de-addiction center of a tertiary care hospital in South India. Sixty consecutive cases, aged 18-55 years, were recruited after getting informed consent. They were assessed using Domestic Violence Questionnaire (DVQ), Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Schedule, and a questionnaire to assess adjustment disorder. The association of DV with psychological morbidities was also studied. RESULTS: DV was reported by 41 (68.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 55.0-79.7) cases. At least one psychiatric morbidity was observed in 51 (85.0%, 95% CI = 72.9-92.5) cases-MDD in 15 (25.0%, 95% CI = 15.1-38.1), anxiety disorders in 6 (10%, 95% CI = 4.1-21.2), and adjustment disorder in 32 (53.3%, 95% CI = 40.1-66.1) cases each. No statistically significant association was observed between DV and any of the psychiatric disorders. However, DVQ scores showed significant correlation with years of marriage (Pearson's r = 0.268, P < 0.05) and with stressful life events over the past 1 year (Pearson's r = 0.424, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High rates of DV and psychological morbidity were seen in spouses of alcohol-dependent males.
