The Effect of Educational Program on Domestic Violence and Quality of Life in Early Married Couples: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Early marriage results in social, cultural and economic problems. Domestic violence is one of these problems. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of educational program on domestic violence and quality of life in couples with early marriage. Method: The present study was a single-blind clinical trial that performed on 106 couples aged 11-19 years. After completing the CTS2 questionnaire by adolescent women and confirming the existence of domestic violence, women and their husbands were entered into the study. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups of intervention and control. Demographic, CTS2, WHOQOL, and BDI-II questionnaires were completed at the baseline and also 4 and 8 weeks after the intervention. The intervention group received education in order to increase the common life skills and coping with the spouse's violence, but the control group did not receive any training. (After the end of intervention, the control group was also trained). Data was analyzed using Fisher's exact test, Chi square, Mann-Whitney, Independent t-test, ANCOVA, one-way ANOVA, Spearman, and Kruskal-Walllis. Results: Implementation of educational program significantly decreased the frequency and chronicity aspects of mild and severe psychological violence and severe physical violence in the intervention group compared to the control group (P<0.05).There was no significant difference in quality of life after training despite the increase in mean scores compared to the control group (P> 0.05). Despite a decrease in the mean depression score after training, there was no significant difference between the intervention group and the control group (P>0.05). There was a significant difference in mean score of quality of life and depression in subjects with domestic violence (P <0.05) and there was a significant correlation between mean score of quality of life and depression (P<0.05). Conclusion: An intervention program such as training for married adolescents can reduce the frequency and chronicity of domestic violence. It is necessary to start education from elementary schools.