Abstract
Domestic violence is affecting the health of women across the globe irrespective of their race, status and country. This study examined the influence of domestic violence on the health of married and co-habiting women in Gbarain, Bayelsa State of Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive survey involving questionnaires was used to obtained data from 123 respondents. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting respondents for this study. Reliability of the instrument already exists as it is being adapted; but the instrument’s reliability was further tested using a test retest method. The correlation coefficient of 0.82 were arrived at before being used for data collection. Six subject matter experts assessed the extent to which the questionnaire measured the variables of interest and 84% of the subject matter experts agreed that the questionnaire was a valid tool. Ethical approval was received from the State Ministry of Health and informed consent of the respondents was sought before data collection and data collection took six weeks. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings revealed that there exist positive forms of domestic violence, which are identified as physical, sexual and psychological that influence the health of married and co-habiting women. The study revealed physical violence such as: utilizing a weapon or restraints or merely using body, size or strength to hurt women, pushing, slapping and kicking whenever there is an argument. The study revealed psychological violence such as: post-traumatic stress disorder, psychological pain, depression, anxiety and threaten to divorce. The study further revealed sexual violence such as: intimidation, forcing women to have sex. Therefore, there was a strong correlation between physical and psychological violence which significantly affects the health of women unlike sexual violence which has weak correlation. The study helps in contributing to knowledge of the importance of women’s health in the society. The need to increase awareness, implement policies and enforce laws to abate violence against women becomes very important.
- Adeyanju | Awoniyi | Babafemi | awoniyiadeyanju@yahoo.com | 08033805070
- Co-habiting, Domestic Violence, Health, Influence, Marriage and Women.
- INFLUENCE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 1