Citation

Kumar S, Jeyaseelan L, Suresh S, Ahuja RC. Br. J. Psychiatry 2005; 187: 62-67.

Affiliation

Social Scientist and Manager, India Clinical Epidemiology Network, No. 58 Venkatratnam Nagar, Adayar, Chennai - 600 020, India. indiaclen@touchtelindia.net.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Royal College of Psychiatry)

DOI

10.1192/bjp.187.1.62

PMID

15994573

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Domestic spousal violence against women has far-reaching mental health implications. AIMS: To determine the association of domestic spousal violence with poor mental health. METHOD: In a household survey of rural, urban non-slum and urban slum areas from seven sites in India, the population of women aged15-49 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.