Razi Journal of Medical Sciences

Background: Domestic violence is the main cause of intentional damage in middle-aged women. The aim of the study was to identify the relationship between women physical and psychological health and violence experience.

Methods: This study was a cross - sectional study with a convenience sample of 501 married women that covered by health center of Safadasht. Data were collected during six months by the SF-36 questionnaire for quality of life, GHQ-12 questionnaire was used to assess mental health and domestic violence, and then the data were analyzed using descriptive methods, chi-square and t-tests.

Results: The mean age of subjects was 32.8±0.45 years. In general the prevalence of domestic violence was 84.8%. 40 (97.6%) patients with history of history of physical illness had at least one domestic violence. Mean of women's mental health score was 18.9±2.3. Women’s quality of life in all domains was at least 54.4%±1.7 and maximum 69.3%±1.23, respectively. 37 (94.9%) of abused women reported a history of mental illness, while 2 (5.1%) reported no history of violence. 40 (97.6%) of abused women reported a history of physical illness, versus 1 (2.4%) of non-abused women. Quality of life in women with no history of domestic violence was better than women with a history of domestic violence.

Conclusion: A relationship was observed between history of mental and physical illness and quality of life in women with a history of domestic violence. Women who had not a history of domestic violence had better mental and physical health and better quality of life.