Journal of South Asian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology

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VOLUME 9 , ISSUE 3 ( July-September, 2017 ) > List of Articles

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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

Shreyashi Aryal, Sagun B Pant, Sebina Baniya

Citation Information : Aryal S, Pant SB, Baniya S. Gender-based Violence in Women attending Gynecology Outpatient Department in a Hospital of Western Nepal: An Issue of Endurance and Invisibility. J South Asian Feder Obs Gynae 2017; 9 (3):225-229.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10006-1500

License: CC BY 3.0

Published Online: 01-01-2016

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2017; The Author(s).


Abstract

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.

How to cite this article

Aryal S, Pant SB, Baniya S. Gender-based Violence in Women attending Gynecology Outpatient Department in a Hospital of Western Nepal: An Issue of Endurance and Invisibility. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2017;9(3):225-229.


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