Prevalence, Socioeconomic Determinants, and Regional Disparities of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in India: A Review Over the Three National Family Health Surveys

Abstract

Context: Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a significant public health issue. In India, IPV is a major problem resulting in various physical, mental, emotional, social, economic, and familial issues. Objectives: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence rate of IPV across all Indian states during 2005, 2015, and 2020. Additionally, the study assessed sociodemographic factors, including the economic empowerment of IPV victims aged 15 to 49 years. Evidence Acquisition: This quantitative study utilized secondary data from the national family health surveys (NFHS) conducted during 2005 - 2006 (NFHS-3), 2015 - 2016 (NFHS-4), and 2019 - 2021 (NFHS-5). Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire with face-to-face interviews across India. Exposure to emotional, physical, and sexual violence was considered under IPV. Factors such as age, residential area, education status, religion, economic status, current working status, and employment seasonality were considered. NFHS-3 included 124,385 women, NFHS-4 included 351,625 women, and NFHS-5 included 63,851 women. Bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were implemented with P < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of violence varied across Indian states, with Karnataka showing consistently increasing rates, while Tripura experienced consistently decreasing rates of all three types of violence. In 2021, the prevalence of emotional violence was 12.5%, physical violence 27%, and sexual violence 5.5% in India. A decreasing trend was observed, as in 2005, emotional violence was 14%, physical violence 31%, and sexual violence 8%. In 2021, 9%, 18%, and 5% of women under 19 experienced emotional, physical, and sexual violence, respectively, while 14%, 29%, and 6% of women aged 45 - 49 experienced the same (P < 0.001). Education plays a crucial role, as women with no education exhibit higher rates of violence. Compared to higher-educated women, those with no education in India during 2021 were more likely to experience emotional (OR = 1.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.61 - 2.31), physical (OR = 2.29, 95% CI: 1.99 - 2.63), and sexual violence (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.34 - 2.28), while during 2005, it was emotional (OR = 2.62, 95% CI: 2.16 - 3.18), physical (OR = 3.74, 95% CI: 3.20 - 4.37), and sexual violence (OR = 2.32, 95% CI: 1.75 - 3.08) with P < 0.001. Additionally, religion and economic status are influential factors, with significant variations observed over the years. The study reveals that education, religion, economic status, and employment status significantly influence the likelihood of experiencing emotional, physical, or sexual violence. Conclusions: The study underscores the need for a multidimensional approach to address IPV in India, considering cultural, political, legal, and economic factors. The findings call for increased community awareness, especially within the medical system, to promote early detection and intervention in cases of IPV.