Domestic Violence and its Relationship its Relationship to Quality of Life in Women of Reproductive Age and their Relationship referred to Health Centers in Tabriz, 2014-2015.

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Domestic violence against women is a global problem that gives rise to numerous social harms. It is one of the factors threatening physical and mental health. Physical and mental healths are important aspects of quality of life. Quality of life is an important indicator for measuring health status in health research and helps professionals identify and treat emotional and mental problems. This study aimed to determine the status of domestic violence and its relationship with quality of life in reproductive aged women referred to health centers of Tabriz, 2014. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 558 married women selected through a two-stage cluster random sampling method. Data was collected by a sociodemographic, Revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS2) and Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaires. The Pearson correlation test, independent t-test, one way ANOVA, chi-square test, general linear model and multivariate logistic regression model were used for analysis. Results: Negotiation-emotional had the highest prevalence (93%) in men’s domestic violence against women and severe injury (12.2%) had the lowest prevalence. Also, the highest mean (Standard Deviation) score of chronicity was in Negotiation-emotional domain of domestic violence [20.4 (18.5)] and the lowest in severe Physical assault domain [1.8 (5.9)]. Negotiation emotional had the highest prevalence (95.9%) in women’s domestic violence against men and severe sexual coercion (6.8%) had the lowest prevalence. Also, the highest mean (Standard Deviation) score of chronicity was in Negotiation-emotional domain of domestic violence [24.7 (19.7)] and the lowest in minor injury domain [2.3 (7.8)]. The mean (SD) score of physical and mental health-related quality of life was [65.0 (16.8)] and [63.6 (16.9)], respectively from the score range of 0-100. There was a significant inverse correlation between chronicity of psychological aggression, physical assault, sexual coercion and injury sub-scales of domestic violence against women and physical (r= -0.09 to -0.32) and mental (r= -0.13 to -0.82) health related quality of life. There was a significant positive correlation between negotiation– emotional sub-scale of domestic violence against women and physical (r= 0.08) and mental (r= 0.11) components of quality of life. There was a significant inverse correlation between chronicity of negotiation–cognitive, psychological aggression, physical assault, sexual coercion and injury sub-scales of domestic violence against men and physical (r= -0.12 to -0.94) and mental (r= -0.11 to -0.92) health-related quality of life. There was no significant correlation between negotiation–emotional sub-scale of domestic violence against men and physical and mental components of quality of life. Conclusion: Based on the results, there was a significant relationship between domestic violence domains and quality of life of women in reproductive age. So, regarding the need for preserving women’s health and the importance of empowering women and improving their quality of life, we can help eliminate violence against women in order to have strong families and a healthy community. Keywords: Domestic violence, Predictors of domestic violence, Women of reproductive age