A cross-sectional study of intimate partner violence, adverse childhood experiences, and psychiatric morbidity in females with mental illness at a tertiary hospital

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) has an adverse effect on the mental health of women. Sparse literature is available on IPV in women with mental illness. Aims and Objectives: This study was carried out to assess the proportion of IPV, its correlation with sociodemographic factors, and its association with adverse childhood experiences. Materials and Methods: The study was cross-sectional. Convenient sampling technique was used to collect the sample. Remitted female patients were assessed on the Abuse Assessment screen and Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale. Semi-structured intake pro forma was used to enter sociodemographic details and diagnosis (as per International classification of diseases-10). Data were analyzed using SPSS V.22. Results: Proportion of IPV among female study subjects were found to be 67.14%. IPV was found to be more among subjects who were unmarried, single, divorced, those who had borderline, histrionic traits, and those whose partners were dependent on alcohol. IPV showed a positive correlation with adverse childhood experiences. Study subjects who showed more ACE showed a positive correlation with a family history of substance abuse, suicide attempts, and histrionic and borderline personality traits Conclusion: IPV was high among patients with mental illness. Risk is high if the partner has alcohol dependence syndrome. Marriage was found to be protective against IPV. Prevention and intervention programs and marital counseling should be directed toward the assessment and treatment of IPV among females with psychiatric disorders.

Keywords

• adverse childhood experiences
• intimate partner violence
• prevalence