Invisible Barriers: Economic Abuse and Its Hidden Toll on Women’s Health in Rural Puducherry, India

Introduction: The impact of economic abuse extends far beyond financial instability, profoundly affecting women's physical and mental health. Objective: This study aimed to assess the pattern of economic abuse and its impact on women's health and well-being in a rural region of Puducherry, India. Methods: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2023 to September 2024 among 900 married women aged 18–65 years, using a multi-stage sampling technique. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was used to capture socio-demographic data, patterns of economic abuse, and its health impact. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16. Results: The prevalence of economic abuse was high, with 76.9% of financial decisions made by husbands and/or in-laws, and 71.9% of women unaware of their family’s financial status. About 50.6% of women incurred debts without their partner's knowledge, and 53.8% reported their accounts were controlled by their partner or in-laws. Economic abuse was significantly associated with younger age (≤ 30 years), lower education levels, partner substance abuse, and daily wage labour as an occupation. The mean economic violence score was 41.25 ± 11.65. A positive correlation (R² = 0.365, P < 0.001) was observed between economic violence and health impact scores, with higher abuse linked to worse health outcomes, including limited healthcare access, denial of nutritious food, and increased psychological distress. Conclusion: Economic abuse is prevalent among women from low socio-economic backgrounds, significantly affecting their health, well-being, and financial independence.