Burden, trend and determinants of various forms of domestic violence among reproductive age-group women in India: findings from nationally representative surveys

Abstract

Background: Violence, a notable human rights concern, has a public health impact across the globe. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of domestic violence among ever-married women aged 18-49 years in India.

Methods: Secondary data analysis with National Family Health Survey 5, 2019-21 data (NFHS-5) was conducted. The complex sampling design of the survey was accounted-for during analysis. The primary outcome was domestic violence. Prevalence was reported with 95% confidence interval (CI). Prevalence ratio was reported to provide the factors associated with domestic violence using Poisson regression.

Results: About 63 796 ever-married women aged 18-49 years covered under domestic violence module of NFHS-5 survey were included. Prevalence of domestic violence (12 months preceding the survey) was 31.9% (95% CI: 30.9-32.9%). Physical violence (28.3%) was the most common form followed by emotional (14.1%) and sexual violence (6.1%). Women with low education, being employed, husband being uneducated or with coercive behavior had significantly higher prevalence of domestic violence.

Conclusions: One-third of the reproductive age-group women were facing some form of domestic violence. Target group interventions like violence awareness campaigns, women supportive services and stringent law enforcement should be implemented to eliminate domestic violence by year 2030.

Keywords: South East Asian region; gender-based violence; low- and middle-income country; national survey data; physical abuse; secondary analysis; spatial distribution; spouse abuse.