1528 – Factors associated with physical domestic violence against women in countries of eastern mediterranean region (emr); a systematic review

Abstract

IntroductionPhysical domestic violence (DV) against women is associated with adverse health effects and great burden on victims, families and communities. The phenomenon, though prevalent in EMR countries, is not well defined regarding the determining factors.Objectives & aimsThis systematic review is to sum up evidences from the EMR countries, on factors associated with physical DV.Methods:Data sourcesPubmed, EMBASE, ISI, PsycInfo, IMEMR, Ovid, Global health, Cochrane Library, IranMedex, SID, IranDoc, Science direct, Elsevier, Proquest and Magiran were searched with no language limits up to December 30, 2011. The hand searching included papers’ lists of references and evidence list of “The National agenda for preventing domestic violence”.Study selectionQuantitative studies on ever partnered, not-pregnant women in the EMR countries, which referred to either predisposing or protective factors of physical DV, in each of victims, perpetrators and community domains, were selected. A criterion based critical appraisal was performed by two reviewers.Synthesis methodsThe Odds Ratios of all reported factors - regardless of statistical significance- were either directly extracted from the papers or indirectly calculated from provided contingency tables, and used to make summary tables.ResultsAccording to 16 finally selected articles, either partners’ lower levels of education, their witnessing /exposure to DV in childhood, personal/ family unfavorable socioeconomic status, rural residency and husbands’ alcohol / drug abuse were predisposing; while consanguinity, women’s age and employment were protective factors.ConclusionFindings are consistent with most international evidences. A meta-analysis will provide a more comprehensive understanding and evidence.

Women’s Views About Domestic Violence: A Qualitative Study in Iran

“…The incidence rate of domestic violence against women in different Iranian cities ranges from 17.5% to 93.6%, making such act a major factor in physical and psychological damage to women (DeJong, Jawad, Mortagy, & Shepard, 2005). Some studies showed that 43.7% of women in Iran have been exposed to domestic violence at least once and experience it throughout the course of their married lives (Davoudi, Rasoulian, Ahmadzad Asl, & Nojomi, 2013). Some researchers in Iran found that the most prevalent type of domestic violence is emotional violence, followed by physical and sexual violence (81.8%, 8.41%, and 4.40%, respectively; Dolatian, Shams, Alavi Majd, & Moafi, 2012).…”