Domestic violence and its associated factors among married women in urban Chennai: A cross-sectional study

CONTEXT: Domestic violence against married women is a sensitive issue, which is prevalent in many societies and countries across the world. One in every three women experiences it in some form across the world, with prevalence ranging from 10 to 69% across various settings. AIMS: To find the extent of domestic violence in Urban Chennai, Tamil Nadu and to find the factors associated with it. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study is done in the urban field practice area of Saveetha medical college and hospital, Thirumazhisai area in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. METHODS AND MATERIAL: The participants who matched our inclusion criteria and who were residing in the area were included in the study. Convenient sampling method was used to collect data. A semi-structured questionnaire was used. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data was analyzed by calculating Percentages and Proportions and was presented in suitable tabular. Statistical test like Odds ratio and Chi-Square was used for finding the factors associated with the study variables. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with domestic violence. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of domestic violence was 38.2%, with physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional violence comprising of 28.7%, 9.1%, 12.6%, and 15.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis found that the involvement of women in decision-making at their home, alcohol abuse among husbands, religion and husband’s education (P < 0.0001) were significantly associated with domestic violence. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of domestic violence recorded was high. Moral support and necessary measures needs to be taken to empower women against it.