Summary

The research article explores the significant correlation between domestic violence against women and their husbands' alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the postpartum period in Nepal. Conducted as a cross-sectional study in the antenatal and postnatal care clinics of a government hospital in Kathmandu district, the study involved a sample of 660 women aged between 15 to 49 years. The analysis focuses on understanding how alcohol use by husbands exacerbates the risk of domestic violence across different stages of pregnancy and after childbirth.

Key Findings

• Increased Risk of Violence: Women whose husbands consumed alcohol were found to be twice as likely to experience domestic violence compared to those whose husbands did not drink, irrespective of socio-demographic status.
• Critical Periods: The second trimester of pregnancy was identified as the most vulnerable period for domestic violence attributed to husbands' drinking habits.
• Types of Violence: The study reported high instances of physical, psychological, and sexual violence during pregnancy and the postpartum period, significantly linked to alcohol consumption by husbands.
• Associated Factors: Additional factors increasing the risk of domestic violence include Janjati ethnicity, women's illiteracy, marriages lasting 2-5 years, and controlling behavior by the husband.

Conclusions

The study concludes that alcohol consumption by husbands is a critical risk factor for domestic violence against women during pregnancy and postpartum periods. It suggests that screening for alcohol use in husbands could lead to referrals to integrated treatment for alcohol misuse and domestic violence, highlighting the need for comprehensive approaches to prevent and address domestic violence in this context.

Recommendations

• Screening and Referral: Implement screening for alcohol use among husbands in antenatal and postnatal care settings, followed by appropriate referrals.
• Integrated Treatment Programs: Develop and promote integrated treatment programs that address both alcohol misuse and domestic violence.
• Awareness and Education: Increase awareness and education about the risks of alcohol consumption and its link to domestic violence among the general public and healthcare providers.

This study sheds light on the intricate relationship between alcohol abuse and domestic violence in Nepal, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions to mitigate this public health issue.