SAFETYLIT WEEKLY UPDATE

We compile citations and summaries of about 400 new articles every week.
RSS Feed

HELP: Tutorials | FAQ
CONTACT US: Contact info

Search Results

Journal Article

Citation

Afifi ZEM, Al-Muhaideb NS, Hadish NF, Ismail FI, Al-Qeamy FM. Saudi Med. J. 2011; 32(6): 612-620.

Affiliation

Family and Community Medicine Department, College of Medicine, PO Box 400, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Tel. +966 (3) 5809610. Fax. +966 (3) 5809610. E-mail: zafifi@hotmail.com.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Riyadh Al-Kharj Hospital Programme)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

21666945

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of domestic violence (DV) in Al-Ahsa, and its impact on married women's health. METHODS: This study is a community-based cross-sectional survey conducted from January to June 2010 in Al-Ahsa oasis in the Eastern province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It included 2000 ever-married women, 15-60 years old, and selected by a 2-stage proportionate cluster random sample. Data was gathered through structured interviews. Univariate and multivariate analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 15. RESULTS: The prevalence of lifetime DV was 39.3%, 35.9% for mental, 17.9% for physical, and 6.9% for sexual violence. Lower rates of recent (within one month prior to the interview) violence were encountered, that is: overall (32.7%); mental (29.1%); physical (22.8%); and sexual (11.8%). Eleven percent of women were beaten, and 7% were kicked on the abdomen during pregnancy. Lifetime violence was significantly associated with perceived bad general health, disease, abortion, hemorrhage, and body mass index. Recent violence increased the number of doctor visits, and the odds of feeling dizzy (OR=1.93), vaginal bleeding (OR=1.83), movement and activity problems, pain, taking drugs (OR=1.95), and stress significantly during the last 4 weeks before the interview. A large proportion of women tolerated violence without seeking help (41.4%). Common reactions included complaining to own family, treating the perpetrator violently, and complaining to a friend. CONCLUSION: We found that DV is prevalent in Al-Ahsa. We recommend awareness programs aiming at educating current and future couples, and proper training of health care providers in assisting the cases of DV.


Language: en

NEW SEARCH


All SafetyLit records are available for automatic download to Zotero & Mendeley
Print