The Prevalence of Domestic Violence and the Affecting Factors among Women in Isfahan, Iran

Domestic violence is the most common type of violence against women. It negatively affects health issues such as maternal health, family planning, prevention of diseases and mental health; even children’s health can also be affected. The prevalence of this violence in various communities in terms of having the special characteristics of cultural differences is not the same. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of domestic violence and factors affecting it among women in Isfahan, Iran. This cross-sectional study was performed on 900 women referred to health centers of Isfahan selected by cluster sampling method. For data collection, a researcher-made questionnaire consisted of six sections (individual characteristics, physical abuse, verbal abuse, financial abuse, causes of abuse, and psychological-emotional abuse) was used. Data collection was done by voluntary workers in health centers and data were analyzed by SPSS software. The significance level of 0.05 was considered. The mean age of women was 34.1 ± 11.05 years and the prevalence of violence against them was 34.44%. A significant relationship between the age and verbal and economic violence against women by their husbands was seen (P < 0.05). Also, economic violence was higher among women with more children (P < 0.001). There was a significant relationship between age at marriage and emotional and economic violence (P < 0.010). Women with lower educational level experienced more verbal and economic violence than others (P < 0.001). Also, there was a significant relationship between mental illness and all type of violence (P < 0.010). Educate and inform women and men is the most important step in preventing and reducing violence against women. Providing appropriate educational programs to promote community awareness to distinct between the thriving culture and wrong traditions by them may seem necessary.