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Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and its Association with Reproductive and Sexual Health Status (RSH) among Women in West Bengal, India
Authors: Sanjit Sarkar
Source: Journal of Young Medical Researchers, 1; DOI: 10.7869/jymr.15
Topic(s): Gender-based violence (GBV)
Reproductive health
Sexual health
Women's health
Country: Asia
  India
Published: JUL 2014
Abstract: Background: The extent of gender-based violence (GBV) varies across the countries but their negative impact on individual, especially on women is universal and it has direct link with the reproductive and sexual health (RSH) of women. Hence this study depicts an association between gender-based violence and adverse reproductive outcomes of the women in West Bengal. Methods: Third round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted during 2005-2007 was utilized. NFHS is a cross-sectional study and open for public use. Only recently married women aged 15- 49 years in West Bengal have been analyzed (N=4973).Bivariates andmultivariate analysis have been conducted in this study. Result: Almost 31%recently married women in West Bengal experienced physical violence whereas 11% and 21% women experienced emotional and sexual violence respectively. Majority of the women (25.5%) agreed that wife beating by their husband is justifiable if she neglects children or argues with him. Women whoterminated pregnanciesalso shows a positive association with the spousal violence (OR=1.51; p<0.01). Conclusion: The study reveals a close association between GBV and adverse reproductive health outcomes. Reductions in the GBV have potential to further decrease the level of unwanted pregnancy and the problems associated with women reproductive health. Key words: Gender-based violence, women’s reproductive right, women’s reproductive and sexual health.