ABSTRACT
Aim: Domestic violence is a major public health concern that adversely affects women’s physical, psychological, and social well-being. Although considerable research has examined its prevalence and consequences, the varying effects of different forms of domestic violence on women’s health within distinct socio-demographic settings remain insufficiently explored. This study investigates the association between domestic violence and health outcomes among women in Kandhamala district, Odisha, with particular attention to socio-demographic factors such as family structure, place of residence, and educational attainment.
Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 330 women aged 20–40 years residing in urban, rural, and tribal areas of Kandhamala district. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that captured socio-demographic characteristics, experiences of domestic violence (physical, sexual, verbal, psychological, and financial), and self-reported health status. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression analyses were employed to assess the relationships between domestic violence and health outcomes and to identify significant predictors of women’s health status.
Results: Findings revealed a significant negative association between domestic violence and women’s health status (r = −0.152, p = 0.006), indicating that increased exposure to violence was associated with poorer health outcomes. Regression analysis demonstrated that the overall violence index had a significant negative effect on health status (B = −0.074, p = 0.004), while family type showed a significant positive influence (B = 0.194, p = 0.006). Among the different forms of violence, physical violence emerged as the strongest predictor of adverse health outcomes (β = −0.208, p = 0.020). Although sexual violence exhibited a negative correlation with health status, it did not significantly predict health outcomes in the regression model. Verbal, psychological, and financial violence were not found to have significant effects. Conclusion: Domestic violence, particularly physical violence, significantly undermines women’s health. Supportive family structures may provide protective benefits, whereas education and residence type appear to have limited direct effects. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions aimed at preventing physical violence and strengthening family support systems to enhance women’s health and well-being.
Keywords: Domestic violence, Women’s health, Gender-Based Violence, Physical violence, Socio-demographic factors
