Experience of Domestic Violence and Psychological Morbidity in Spouses of Alcohol-Dependent Males

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of both domestic violence (DV) and alcohol use is reported to be high in Kerala. The prevalence of DV and psychological morbidity in spouses of alcohol-dependent males has not been studied objectively. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was undertaken to study the occurrence of DV and psychological morbidity–major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety disorders, and adjustment disorders–in spouses of alcohol-dependent males attending the de-addiction center of a tertiary care hospital in South India. Sixty consecutive cases, aged 18–55 years, were recruited after getting informed consent. They were assessed using Domestic Violence Questionnaire (DVQ), Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Schedule, and a questionnaire to assess adjustment disorder. The association of DV with psychological morbidities was also studied. RESULTS: DV was reported by 41 (68.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 55.0–79.7) cases. At least one psychiatric morbidity was observed in 51 (85.0%, 95% CI = 72.9–92.5) cases–MDD in 15 (25.0%, 95% CI = 15.1–38.1), anxiety disorders in 6 (10%, 95% CI = 4.1–21.2), and adjustment disorder in 32 (53.3%, 95% CI = 40.1–66.1) cases each. No statistically significant association was observed between DV and any of the psychiatric disorders. However, DVQ scores showed significant correlation with years of marriage (Pearson's r = 0.268, P < 0.05) and with stressful life events over the past 1 year (Pearson's r = 0.424, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High rates of DV and psychological morbidity were seen in spouses of alcohol-dependent males.