What do Victims of Physical Domestic Violence Have in Common? A Systematic Review of Evidence From Eastern Mediterranean Countries

Abstract

Context: This systematic review summarizes evidence that pertains to factors associated with physical domestic violence in Eastern Mediterranean region countries. Evidence Acquisition: We searched Pubmed, EMBASE, ISI, PsycInfo, IMEMR, Ovid, Global health, Cochrane Library, IranMedex, SID, IranDoc, Science Direct, Elsevier, Proquest and Magiran with no language limits until August 1, 2013. A hand search included lists of references from papers and the evidence list from "The Islamic Republic of Iran National Agenda for Preventing Domestic Violence". We chose quantitative studies on ever- partnered, non-pregnant women from Eastern Mediterranean Region countries that referred to either predisposing or protective factors of physical domestic violence at the victims' level. Criteria based critical appraisal was performed by three reviewers. Results: Younger age at the time of the study, younger age at the time of marriage, unemployment, frailty, history of exposure to domestic violence, and a positive attitude toward male dominance were among the risk factors. Higher level of education was reported to be a protective factor. Conclusions: Findings are consistent with most international evidences. Further investigations are needed to more comprehensively understand the remainder of the variables.

Keywords

• domestic violence
• spouse abuse
• risk factors
• review
• meta-analysis