Gender-based Violence in Women attending Gynecology Outpatient Department in a Hospital of Western Nepal: An Issue of Endurance and Invisibility

Introduction: Gender-based violence (GBV) is faced by many women in Nepal but health-seeking behavior is rare. A reproductive health facility may be the only place where a woman comes for a health visit. So, health care providers, especially gynecologists, play an important role to identify women suffering from GBV as they see clients suffering from the reproductive health effects of GBV on a daily basis. The purpose of this study was to find the prevalence and severity of GBV in women attending the outpatient department (OPD) and to compare their clinical diagnosis with those not facing GBV. Materials and methods: This is a prospective study conducted at Lumbini Medical College Teaching Hospital for a period of 3 months enrolling 741 nonpregnant women attending the OPD. A structured questionnaire was used for interview to identify women facing abuse and to assess their gynecological problems. Results: Out of 741 women, 172 faced GBV, so the prevalence was 23.21%. Emotional and physical abuse was the most common type of abuse faced by 56 (32.56%), but the severity was reported more in sexual abuse [8 (57.14%)]. Pain abdomen was the most common symptom [69 (40.12%)], and chronic pelvic pain (CPP) [60 (34.89%)] was the commonest clinical diagnosis made in these women. Chronic pelvic pain was diagnosed more in women facing abuse (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In this study, about one in four women in reproductive age group had experienced GBV. Gynecology OPD of a tertiary hospital could be used as a screening setting that can assist in early detection and prevention of GBV in Nepal.