The incidence of wife abuse and mental health status in abused wives in Edmonton, Alberta

Abstract

To determine the incidence and type of wife abuse in relation to mental health status, a survey was undertaken in a community-based sample of wives. The incidence rate of physical abuse was 10.6%, psychological abuse 13.1%. Nearly all physically abused wives were psychologically abused. Wives at highest risk of abuse were those: 1) separated from their husbands in the previous year; 2) aged 18-44 years; 3) in relatively new relationships; 4) whose husbands were unemployed, in school or working part-time. Physically and psychologically abused wives had more somatic complaints, higher levels of anxiety and insomnia, greater social dysfunction and more symptoms of depression than non-abused wives. Alcohol dependency was associated with abuse; 16.3% of physically abused and 11.3% of psychologically abused wives were alcohol-dependent, compared to 2.4% of non-abused wives.