scholarly journals 713Domestic violence and self-poisoning in Sri Lanka

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Piumee Bandara ◽  
Andrew Page ◽  
Lalith Senarathna ◽  
Judi Kidger ◽  
Gene Feder ◽  
...  

Abstract Background There is increasing evidence that domestic violence is an important risk factor for suicidal behaviour. The level of risk of domestic violence (DV) and its contribution to the overall burden of suicidal behaviour has not been quantified in South Asia, where 37% of suicide deaths globally occur. We examined the association between DV and self-poisoning in Sri Lanka through a large case-control study. Methods Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted on 298 self-poisoning cases and 500 hospital controls to estimate the association between domestic violence and self-poisoning, and population attributable fractions (PAF) were estimated. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using 455 population-based controls. Results DV exposure within the previous 12 months was strongly associated with self-poisoning for women (adjusted OR [AOR] 4·08, 95%CI 1·60-4·78) and men (AOR 2·52, 95%CI 1·51-4·21), compared to no abuse. Physical violence showed the highest risk among women, whereas among men, emotional abuse showed the highest risk (AOR 2·75, 95%CI 1·57-4·82). PAF% for exposure to at least one type of DV was 38% (95%CI 32-43) in women and 22% (95 CI 14-29) in men. Conclusions DV was strongly associated with suicidal behaviour for men and women. Almost 40% of female self-poisoning cases and a fifth of male cases may be reduced if domestic violence is addressed. Key messages The significant contribution of DV to the overall burden of self-poisoning suggests preventative and curative interventions to address domestic violence may yield significant gains in reducing suicidal behaviour in Sri Lanka, and other similar settings.

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Piumee Bandara ◽  
Andrew Page ◽  
Lalith Senarathna ◽  
Judi Kidger ◽  
Gene Feder ◽  
...  

Abstract Background There is increasing evidence that domestic violence (DV) is an important risk factor for suicidal behaviour. The level of risk and its contribution to the overall burden of suicidal behaviour among men and women has not been quantified in South Asia. We carried out a large case-control study to examine the association between DV and self-poisoning in Sri Lanka. Methods Cases (N = 291) were patients aged ⩾18 years, admitted to a tertiary hospital in Kandy Sri Lanka for self-poisoning. Sex and age frequency matched controls were recruited from the hospital's outpatient department (N = 490) and local population (N = 450). Exposure to DV was collected through the Humiliation, Afraid, Rape, Kick questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression models were conducted to estimate the association between DV and self-poisoning, and population attributable fractions were calculated. Results Exposure to at least one type of DV within the previous 12 months was strongly associated with self-poisoning for women [adjusted OR (AOR) 4.08, 95% CI 1.60–4.78] and men (AOR 2.52, 95% CI 1.51–4.21), compared to those reporting no abuse. Among women, the association was strongest for physical violence (AOR 14.07, 95% CI 5.87–33.72), whereas among men, emotional abuse showed the highest risk (AOR 2.75, 95% CI 1.57–4.82). PAF% for exposure to at least one type of DV was 38% (95% CI 32–43) in women and 22% (95% CI 14–29) in men. Conclusions Multi-sectoral interventions to address DV including enhanced identification in health care settings, community-based strategies, and integration of DV support and psychological services may substantially reduce suicidal behaviour in Sri Lanka.


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. e000533 ◽  
Author(s):  
Handrick Chigiji ◽  
Deborah Fry ◽  
Tinashe Enock Mwadiwa ◽  
Aldo Elizalde ◽  
Noriko Izumi ◽  
...  

IntroductionThis study provides, for the first time, comparable national population-based estimates that describe the nature and magnitude of physical and emotional violence during childhood in Zimbabwe.MethodsFrom August to September 2011, we conducted a national population-based survey of 2410 respondents aged 13–24 years, using a two-stage cluster sampling. Regression models were adjusted for relevant demographics to estimate the ORs for associations between violence, risk factors and various health-related outcomes.ResultsRespondents aged 18–24 years report a lifetime prevalence (before the age of 18) of 63.9% (among girls) to 76% (among boys) for physical violence by a parent or adult relative, 12.6% (girls) to 26.4% (boys) for humiliation in front of others, and 17.3% (girls) to 17.5% (boys) for feeling unwanted. Almost 50% of either sex aged 13–17 years experienced physical violence in the 12 months preceding the survey. Significant risk factors for experiencing physical violence for girls are ever experiencing emotional abuse prior to age 13, adult illness in the home, socioeconomic status and age. Boys’ risk factors include peer relationships and socioeconomic status, while caring teachers and trusted community members are protective factors. Risk factors for emotional abuse vary, including family relationships, teacher and school-level variables, socioeconomic status, and community trust and security. Emotional abuse is associated with increased suicide attempts for both boys and girls, among other health outcomes.ConclusionPhysical and emotional violence often work in tandem causing poor mental and physical health outcomes. Understanding risk factors for violence within the peer or family context is essential for improved violence prevention.


2001 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 249-271 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loraine Bacchus ◽  
Susan Bewley ◽  
Gill Mezey

Definitions of domestic violence vary according to the frequency, severity and nature of the violence as well as the context in which it occurred and the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator. Though there is a lack of uniformity, a generally accepted definition of domestic violence is the physical, sexual or emotional abuse of an adult woman by a man with whom she has or has had an intimate relationship, regardless of whether the couple are living together. Although violence can be carried out by other family members or occur in same-sex relationships, it is argued that men use violence in order to maintain dominance and control over their female partners. Physical violence is just one of the many tactics that an abuser may use to exert control over his partner. Other behaviours include isolation, intimidation, threats of violence, threats to take the children away or hurt them and emotional or economic abuse. Whilst some studies have identified demographic patterns associated with domestic violence, it can affect any woman regardless of age, race, ethnicity, social class, employment status, religion, marital status or disability.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tenaw Yimer ◽  
Tesfaye Gobena ◽  
Gudina Egata ◽  
Habtamu Mellie

Introduction.Domestic violence during pregnancy is one of the barriers to achieve MDG 3 due to its adverse health consequences. Comparable population-based data on the problem are lacking as existing literatures differ in time periods explored. Such discrepancies among study findings indicate the importance of site specific studies, especially in rural parts of Ethiopia, where little is known about the problem.Objective.The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of domestic violence and its associated factors among pregnant women in Hulet Ejju Enessie district, northwest Ethiopia.Methods and Materials.Quantitative community based cross-sectional study was carried out from January 1 to 31, 2014. A total of 425 randomly selected pregnant women were involved in the study. A standard WHO multicountry study on women’s health and domestic violence questionnaire were used for data collection. Four trained female data collectors were involved. Odds ratio with 95% CI was estimated to identify factors associated with domestic violence during pregnancy using multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was declared atPvalue ≤0.05.Results.The prevalence of domestic violence during current pregnancy was 32.2%. The prevalence of psychological, sexual, and physical violence was 24.9%, 14.8%, and 11.3%, respectively. Married women at the age of ≤15 years were about four times (AOR = 4.2, 95% CI 1.9–9.0) more likely to experience domestic violence during pregnancy than their counterparts. Meanwhile, interparental exposure to domestic violence during childhood (AOR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.1–4.8), having frequently drinker partner (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.6–7.4), and undesired pregnancy by partner (AOR = 6.2, 95% CI 3.2–12.1) were the main significant factors that increase risk of domestic violence during pregnancy.Conclusion and Recommendation.In this study, the prevalence of domestic violence during current pregnancy is high which may lead to a serious health consequence both on the mothers and on their foetuses. Thus, targeted efforts should be made by all concerned stakeholders to reduce the problem in the study area.


Author(s):  
Pooja Chauhan ◽  
Kotina Shridevi ◽  
Sushma Katkuri

Background: The WHO reports that the proportion of women who had ever experienced physical or sexual violence or both by an intimate partner ranged from 15% to 71%. According to NFHS-3 and India’s NCRB, the increasing cases of any form of violence against women and also the variation in its prevalence among different sections of the society indicate that it is preventable. This has been the motivation for conducting this study. The aim of the study was to know the prevalence, different forms and associated factors of domestic violence against ever married females between 15-49 years age.Methods: Community based cross-sectional study population included ever married females from 15 to 49 years. Sample size was calculated using openEpi online program. Simple random sampling was used. A pre-designed semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using SPSS software v24. Chi-square test was used.Results: It was observed that 33.5% (n=83) suffered from any form of violence and 29.4% (n=73) experienced physical violence at least once. Emotional abuse was seen in 12.5% whereas sexual abuse was seen in 4.4%. The experience of domestic violence by women was significantly related to the consumption of alcohol by the husband, education status of the females and their husband.Conclusions: By improving the literacy, and sensitizing about equal rights and need to look their wife as a life partner rather than a slave, an attempt can be made to break the chain of domestic violence.


2015 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marzieh Kargar Jahromi ◽  
Safieh Jamali ◽  
Afifeh Rahmanian Koshkaki ◽  
Shohreh Javadpour

<p><strong>OBJECTIVE: </strong>Domestic violence against women is a health problem. Research on domestic violence in order to clarify the relationship between the different forms of violence and health outcomes is needed. This study aimed to determine the frequency and risk factors of domestic violence in women. It also assessed the association between risk factors and psychological, physical, and sexual violence against women by their intimate partners.</p> <p><strong>MATERIALS &amp; METHODS:</strong> This cross-sectional study was done on married women 16–80 years of age living in jahrom south of Iran between August 2013 and December 2014. This research was implemented through questionnaires including the demographic characteristic. The form of partner violence including emotional abuse, physical violence and sexual violence was assessed with a validated questionnaire. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to measure the association between violence and factors.<strong></strong></p> <p><strong>RESULTS:</strong> The prevalence of physical, sexual and emotional domestic violence was respectively 16.4%, 18.6% and 44.4%.and was associated with Age (p=0.002), Husband’s Age (p=0.001), Length of marriage (p=0.002), Woman's low educational level women's education (OR=4.67 95%.CI=1.97-11.07), husband's low education (OR=9.22 95%. CI=0.69-12.16), were the most important risk factors for violence.<strong></strong></p> <p><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> Prevalence of physical, emotional or sexual violence was very high. Men's violence against women in intimate relationships is commonly occurring in Iran. Considering the factors contributing to violence against women, raising the level of education of men and women is one of the ways to prevent violence.</p>


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piumee Bandara ◽  
Andrew Page ◽  
Thilini Rajapakse ◽  
Duleeka Kniipe

Background: Evidence on the risk factors for repeat self-harm from low- and middle-income countries is scarce and requires urgent attention. Aims: We sought to examine psychosocial correlates of repeat self-harm in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Methods: Logistic regression models (adjusting for age and sex) were used to examine associations between study factors and repeat self-harm among adult patients (N=292) admitted for self-poisoning. Results: Depression (OR 2.8 95% CI 1.7-4.7), prior psychiatric diagnosis (OR 4.8 95% CI 2.2-10.2), past-year exposure to suicidal behaviour (OR 1.9 95% 1.1-3.3), physical/sexual abuse (OR 3.0 95% CI 1.3-6.9), and psychological abuse (OR 2.3 95% CI 1.3-4.2) were strongly associated with repeat self-harm. Conclusions: Identification and management of domestic violence and psychiatric morbidity should be part of routine clinical assessments of patients presenting with self-harm.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 828-853 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sothy Eng ◽  
Whitney Szmodis ◽  
Kelly Grace

Divorce rates continue to rise, especially in urban centers, which in turn contributes to increasing numbers of women who remarry. While remarriage is one of the only options for survival for divorced women, especially those from low socioeconomic status, remarriage also brings with it increased stressors of financial strain and the strain of blended families. This study tested the hypothesis that remarried women compared with first-time married and divorced women are at increased risk for domestic violence. The sample was drawn from the Cambodia Demographic and Health Survey, consisting of 1,560 women with the average age of 31.64. Results showed that 20% of women reported emotional violence and 14%, physical violence. Based on hierarchical multiple regressions, this study found that remarried women were more likely to experience physical and emotional abuse than women in their first marriage or women who remain divorced/not in union. Further interaction analyses showed that domestic violence varies depending on place of residence, number of children younger than 5 years, partners’ education, and wealth index. Rural residents who were in poorest and poorer groups and urban residents in their poorer and middle groups of their wealth index showed high risk of domestic violence. Remarried women with two or three children younger than 5 years showed highest risk of domestic violence. Additional three-way interaction analysis revealed that remarried women residing in rural/urban areas with a spouse having no education and/or primary level of education were at highest risk of domestic violence. The study lends support to the structural role of the power of male dominance on women’s social and emotional well-being. This study suggested that to reduce men’s perceived domination, structural intervention that includes implementing gender-responsive curriculum in formal education, as well as strengthening domestic violence law enforcement would help reduce domestic violence against women.


2021 ◽  
Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 886-886
Author(s):  
L. Wegrzyn ◽  
K. Winthrop ◽  
S. Kim ◽  
Y. Ye ◽  
C. Huisingh ◽  
...  

Background:While some risk factors for severe COVID have been identified for patients with rheumatic diseases,1 few studies have investigated whether outcomes differ based on the type of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. Most existing reports have been limited to individual centers or voluntary reporting registries.2,3Objectives:To compare the occurrence of hospitalizations following COVID-19 diagnosis among patients with RA treated with various classes of DMARDs.Methods:A cohort of patients with confirmed COVID-19 (ICD10 diagnosis code or positive PCR or antigen test result) were identified within a large US electronic health record (EHR) dataset (Optum, Inc.) during the time period Feb 1, 2020 through Oct 14, 2020. From these, we identified RA patients (ICD10 RA diagnosis code) with treatment (most recent of JAK inhibitor [JAKi], biologic [bDMARD] or conventional synthetic [csDMARD] only) within the 12 months prior to COVID-19 diagnosis (i.e., index). The primary outcome was any hospitalization on or within 30 days after COVID-19 diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression models compared users of JAKi’s to non-TNFi bDMARDs and csDMARDs (separately), as well as users of TNFi’s to non-TNFi bDMARDS and csDMARDs (separately), and were adjusted for age, gender, index month and baseline corticosteroid use. Sensitivity analyses included restriction of prevalent treatment use to within 180 days prior to COVID-19 diagnosis and restriction of csDMARDs to a group without hydroxychloroquine or chloroquine.Results:The study included 910 RA patients on DMARD treatment who were diagnosed with COVID-19 (mean age ± SD: 61±15, 80% female, 62% white. Of those, 26% (n=240) were hospitalized on or within 30 days after COVID-19 diagnosis. The proportion of patients hospitalized was highest in non-TNFi bDMARD users (37/87; 43%), followed by csDMARDs users (161/581; 28%) and lowest in JAKi (13/68; 19%) and TNFi users (29/174; 17%). In multivariable-adjusted models, no differences in risk of hospitalization were found comparing JAKi users to csDMARD users (aOR=0.71; 95% CI 0.37-1.36) or TNFi users to csDMARD users (aOR=0.67; 95%CI 0.43-1.06). Compared to non-TNFi bDMARD users, JAKi use and TNFi use was associated with reduced risk of hospitalization (JAKi aOR=0.32; 95%CI 0.14-0.71; TNFi aOR=0.34; 95%CI 0.18-0.62). Age and corticosteroid use were positively associated with 30-day hospitalization in all models. Results of sensitivity analyses were consistent with the main findings.Conclusion:In this study, roughly a quarter of RA patients with recent DMARD treatment were hospitalized within 30 days after COVID diagnosis. Patients treated with JAKi and TNFi therapies experienced the lowest risk of hospitalization, with risk of hospitalization significantly lower than non-TNFi bDMARDs. However, recent therapy recorded in the EHR may not reflect exposure at time of COVID-19 diagnosis and small sample size per treatment may limit interpretation.References:[1]Hyrich KL, Machado PM. Nat Rev Rheumatol 2020;1-2. doi:10.1038/s41584-020-00562-2[2]Gianfrancesco MA, et al. Lancet Rheumatol 2020;2(5):e250-e253. doi:10.1016/S2665-9913(20)30095-3[3]Veenstra J, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol 2020;83(6):1696-1703.Acknowledgements:Jonathan Johnson of Optum, Inc. provided dataset guidance and conducted data analyses. AbbVie funded this study, contributed to its design, participated in data collection, analysis, and interpretation of the data, and in the writing, review, and approval of the abstract. No honoraria or payments were made for authorship.Disclosure of Interests:Lani Wegrzyn Shareholder of: AbbVie, Employee of: AbbVie, Kevin Winthrop Consultant of: Pfizer, AbbVie, UCB, Eli Lilly & Company, Galapagos, GSK, Roche, Gilead, BMS, Regeneron, Sanofi, AstraZeneca, Novartis, Grant/research support from: BMS, Pfizer, Seoyoung Kim Grant/research support from: institutional research grants from Pfizer, AbbVie, Roche, BMS for unrelated studies, Yizhou Ye Shareholder of: AbbVie, Employee of: AbbVie, Carrie Huisingh Shareholder of: AbbVie, Employee of: AbbVie, Whitney Krueger Shareholder of: AbbVie, Employee of: AbbVie, anna maniccia Shareholder of: AbbVie, Employee of: AbbVie, Ryan Kilpatrick Shareholder of: AbbVie, Employee of: AbbVie.


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