Risk Factors of Domestic Violence in Iran

Abstract

Objectives. In this study, we have evaluated the lifetime and past-year prevalence of exposure to physical violence among married women in the city of Tehran and urban and rural areas of Hashtgerd. Methods. The target population were noninstitutionalized female citizens, aged 15 years or older, who have at least one history of marriage and who resided in the capital city of Tehran or Hashtgerd County from the summer of 2008 to fall of 2010. We used a multistage sampling method. Tehran's District Six, a central district in Tehran, was selected as a representative cluster of all municipal districts in Tehran. A total of fifty blocks were randomly selected from this district, from which 1,000 married women aged 15 years or older were interviewed using a cross-sectional design. Data was gathered face-to-face using a structured questionnaire. The lifetime prevalence, past-year prevalence, and related factors of domestic violence were measured. SPSS version 11.5 was used for the analyses. Results. Figures for lifetime prevalence and pastyear prevalence were measured to be 38.7% and 6.6%, respectively. The independent effects of marital status and location and type of residency for women, along with education and smoking habits of their spouses, were statistically significant in multivariate logistic regression analysis. Conclusion. Domestic violence is a public health concern in Iran. Based on our findings, we propose that empowering women through education, and improving their ability to find employment and income, along with increasing public awareness of human rights issues through education could lower the prevalence of domestic violence.

Prevalence of Domestic Violence Against Women Undergoing Methadone Maintenance Therapy Programs and its Related Risk Factors

“…This study found that women with low education were more at risk of physical abuse, psychological abuse, and other violent threats than others, and women with higher education are less likely to experience violence, which is similar to the results of other studies. 28 , 29 The husband’s and wife’s education is important in reducing DV. The finding is based on the fact that women with low education have usually low-educated spouses.…”

“… 20 , 21 The education level is related to DV because it reflects the cultural, social, and income level of the family 18 since the low income causes stress, family conflict, and reduction of life satisfaction, it can create a stressful atmosphere and violence in the family. 28 Many studies have shown that women in such situations resort to tobacco and smoking to escape stress and conflicts. 21 Now, if these variables are combined with polygamy, which can lead to family stress and conflict, also, it can increase the rate and severity of DV.…”

Prevalence of Domestic Violence against Women and Its Visibility in Southeast Iran

“…These effects are not limited to women, but threaten the health of the whole society. For example, in children, the effects can manifest as academic problems, low self-esteem, aggression, and even delinquency or corruption ( 7 ). DVAW is associated with many long-term health problems including, but not limited to, depression, stress, chronic pain, physical disabilities, drug and alcohol abuse, nightmares and sleep disorders, migraine headaches, and suicide ( 8 ).…”

Effect of Psychoeducation Group Training Based on Problem-Solving Skills for Women Experiencing Bipolar Spouse Abuse

“…In prior research, the illiteracy, low income, lower age at marriage, shorter duration of marriage, physical disease, mental and psychiatric disorder, and substance use were considered as risk factors of domestic violence in Iranian families (18). In order to protect women in relationships with a mental disorder spouse, they need to be clearly and accurately identified and educated (15,19).…”