Psychological Distress and Domestic Violence among Wives of Alcohol Dependent Men in South India

Background: Alcohol addiction is known to negatively influence the lives of families. The mental health of wives of alcohol dependent men (WADM) is often neglected, though they are expected to participate in the deaddiction process. This study aims to investigate the psychological morbidity of wives of those with alcohol dependence, and its social correlates in Indian context. Methods: The study, conducted in a tertiary centre, followed cross-sectional design with consecutive recruitment of wives of newly registered adult outpatients with alcohol dependence syndrome. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant data. The psychiatric morbidity among WADM was assessed using Clinical Interview Schedule – Revised (CIS-R). Domestic violence was assessed using Hurt-Insult-Threat-Scream (HITS) tool. Data was analyzed using SPSS, version 21.0. Results: Hundred participants were recruited with mean age 32.6 years (SD: 6.8). Majority belonged to nuclear families (76%), and low socioeconomic status (81%). Seventy-five percent expressed poor family support. Seventy-three percent of WADM were identified to have psychiatric morbidity. Among the participants, 16% had past suicide attempts. Nearly all (99%) had experienced aggression from their husbands. Among WADM, partner violence and perceived lack of support had statistically significant association with common mental disorders. Conclusion: Psychiatric morbidity and partner violence were highly prevalent among WADM. Partner violence was the most significant social factor associated with psychiatric morbidity. There is a need to identify and address early the mental health needs of WADM.