South Asian victims of intimate partner violence more likely than non-victims to report sexual health concerns.

Abstract

To assess relationships between intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual health among South Asian women in Boston. Surveys assessed demographics, IPV and sexual and reproductive health outcomes of women in relationships with men (N=208). In-depth interviews explored these issues with women with a history of IPV (N=23). Subjects were majority Indian, non-U.S. citizens, and highly educated. Quantitative data were assessed by logistic regression, qualitative data by a grounded theory approach. About 21.2% of the survey sample reported IPV in the current relationship. These women are 2.6 times as likely to report discolored vaginal discharge in the past year (95% CI=1.27-6.50), 3.1 times as likely to report burning during urination in the past year (95% CI=1.52-6.31) and 3.4 times as likely to report unwanted pregnancy in the current relationship (95% CI=1.33-8.66). Interviewed women described how abuse reduces sexual autonomy, increasing risk for unwanted pregnancy and multiple abortions. Study findings demonstrate the need for increased gynecologic health outreach to abused South Asian women in the U.S.