Association between depressive symptoms and domestic violence and abuse among Nepalese women: cross-sectional study

Background Domestic violence is a widespread public health problem and a serious human rights violation. It occurs worldwide, across all generations, nationalities, communities and spheres of societies, irrespective of age, ethnicity, disability or other background. Domestic violence victims have a higher risk of post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide. Despite a critical link between domestic violence and mental health, very few such studies exist in Nepal. Aims To investigate the association between depressive symptoms and physical, sexual and emotional domestic violence. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted among 429 women aged 30–60 years who underwent cervical cancer screening in Dhulikhel and Banepa municipalities, Kavrepalanchowk District, Nepal. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association between depressive symptoms and domestic violence and abuse. Results Findings suggest 2.99 times (95% CI 1.57–5.67, p = 0.001) higher odds of having depressive symptoms in women experiencing any type of violence. Similarly, the odds of having depressive symptoms were 2.5 times (95% CI 1.26–4.98, p = 0.009) higher in participants who had experienced physical violence and 6.21 times (95% CI 2.49–15.46, p < 0.001) higher among participants who had experienced sexual violence or emotional abuse. Conclusions Women experiencing physical, sexual or emotional abuse are more likely to experience depressive symptoms. To better understand the factors contributing to these symptoms, further in-depth and exploratory studies are needed. Community-based interventions are needed to offer counselling, support groups and safe spaces for women affected by violence.