Spousal abuse in married women with suicidal attempt in Shiraz, Iran

Abstract

Introduction

Epidemiological studies revealed that 21 to 34 percent of women around the world have been victim of physical assault by their spouse and spouse abuse have been more prevalent in developing countries.

Objectives

The most common form of violence against women is spousal abuse which is a dangerous factor and leads to serious psychological damages while it is one of the most important causes of suicide in married women.

Aims

The study of factors related to spousal abuse in the population where they attempt to suicide is important for recognizing it and preventing spousal abuse, consequently, preventing suicide.

Methods

The study was conducted cross-sectional on 360 married women who attempted suicide and referred to Shoshtari Hospital in Shiraz. Instruments for data collection comprised of about spousal abuse questionnaire and demographic cases questionnaire which were filled through interview.

Results

A total of 43.9% of domestic violence prevalence, 61.7% of economic violence, 45.3% of psychological violence, 38.1% of social violence, 38.1% physical violence, 35.9% of sexual violence was reported. There was a relation between spousal abuse and some factors such as: age difference between spouses, wife and husband's education, husband's substance abuse, husband's medical illness, wife's psychiatry disorder, spouses’ obligatory marriage, polygamy and husband's job.

Conclusions

Considering relatively high prevalence of spousal abuse in people who attempted suicide and the relation between some demographic factors with violence, besides regarding spousal abuse as one causes of suicide, the women's screening, particularly those who attempt suicide in regard to spousal abuse and its related factors seems necessary.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.