An Exploratory study on violence in a rural area near Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

Dr N R Ramesh Masthi; Dr Manasa A R

Volume : VII, Issue : XII, December - 2018

An Exploratory study on violence in a rural area near Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

Dr N R Ramesh Masthi, Dr Manasa A R

Abstract :

Background: In India, there has been an increased reporting of violence over the years and its magnitude varies from state to state. Most of the studies available in India are on violence occurring within the household like domestic/intimate partner violence, child abuse, etc. There are very few studies available on violence that occurs outside the household in the community. Objectives of the study were to assess the burden of violence among people living in a rural area near Bengaluru, to list out the different types, causes and health consequences of violence, to assess the opinion of the subjects on violence and to find out the various factors associated with violence. Methods: This exploratory study was conducted in the villages coming under three Primary Health Centres in a rural area near Bengaluru over a period of 3 months in the last quarter of 2016. The Study subjects were aged between 14 years to 60 years. The total sample size was 2013. A pretested structured questionnaire was applied anonymously as the survey tool to gather information. Results: A total of 2046 subjects were surveyed, of whom 159 (7.7%) experienced some kind of violence in the past one year. 54% were males, 32.1% were high school educated, 14.5% had received no formal education, 89.9% were Hindus. The major form of violence was verbal abuse (83.6%), followed by pushing around (12.6%), slapping (10.7%), hitting (9.4%). 5.0% had aasions, 3.0% had bleeding & pain.

Conclusions: About 7% of the subjects had experienced violence. Verbal abuse was the most common type of violence. Substance use was significantly associated with violence.