Domestic violence and its mental health correlates in Indian women.
BACKGROUND
Domestic spousal violence against women has far-reaching mental health implications.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the association of domestic spousal violence with poor mental health.


METHODS
In a household survey of rural, urban non-slum and urban slum areas from seven sites in India, the population of women aged 15-49 years was sampled using probability proportionate to size. The Self Report Questionnaire was used to assess mental health status and a structured questionnaire elicited spousal experiences of violence.


RESULTS
Of 9938 women surveyed, 40% reported poor mental health. Logistic regression showed that women reporting 'any violence' -- 'slap', 'hit', 'kick' or 'beat' (OR 2.2, 95% CI 2.0-2.5) -- or 'all violence' -- all of the four types of physically violent behaviour (OR 3.5, 95% CI 2.94-3.51) -- were at increased risk of poor mental health.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings indicate a strong association between domestic spousal violence and poor mental health, and underscore the need for appropriate interventions.
Social Scientist and Manager, India Clinical Epidemiology Network, No. 58 Venkatratnam Nagar, Adayar, Chennai 600020, India. indiaclen@touchtelindia.net
Shuba
S
Kumar
Lakshmanan
L
Jeyaseelan
Saradha
S
Suresh
Ramesh Chandra
RC
Ahuja
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000453:epidemiology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D011204:Poverty Areas; D012423:Rural Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014504:Urban Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data