Predictors of intimate partner violence against women with mental disorders: a cross sectional study Accessible summary

Introduction: Psychiatric disorders increase women's vulnerability to violent victimization. There are limited studies to date on factors predicting domestic violence in mentally ill women.Aim: The aim of this study was to identify predictive factors of domestic violence against women with mental disorders.Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive and correlational study. Using a convenience sampling method, ۴۰۰ participants admitted to a teaching referral psychiatric hospital in the Northwest of Iran were recruited to the study. Data collection tools were a demographic and clinical data form and the revised Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS-۲).Results: Analysis revealed that factors including unemployment status of husband and housewife status of woman (OR = ۲.۱, ۹۵% CI: ۱.۷ – ۳.۲ and OR= ۱.۵, ۹۵% CI: ۰.۶ – ۲.۴, respectively), history of prison in husband (OR = ۲.۶, ۹۵% CI: ۱.۰ – ۶.۲), history of attempted suicide in woman (OR= ۱.۹, ۹۵% CI: ۱.۱ – ۳.۱) and dyspareunia (OR= ۲.۲, ۹۵% CI: ۱.۲ – ۳.۹), were independently associated with increased risk of severe domestic violence against women with psychiatric disorders.Discussion: Intimate partner violence is a serious and prevalent concern among psychiatric patients, but is rarely reported in medical records or patient charts. Increased screening and reporting should be taken by health professionals to to offer support, advice and target for preventive measures.Implication for Practice: Recognizing risk, assessment and referral of victims of domestic violence should be an integral part of healthcare systems.