Domestic violence and health of Pakistani women.
OBJECTIVE
Assessment of the prevalence and health consequences of domestic violence among women in Karachi, Pakistan.


METHODS
Confidential interviews were conducted among 150 women randomly selected from health facilities.


RESULTS
34% reported ever being physically abused, 15% ever being physically abused whilst pregnant and 72% of physically abused women were anxious/depressed. Physical abuse was a major predictor of anxiety/depression.


CONCLUSIONS
The magnitude, physical and mental health consequences of domestic violence represents a serious reproductive health concern for Pakistan.
Department of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan.
F F
FF
Fikree
L I
LI
Bhatti
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety; D003863:Depression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health