Psychosexual impact of violence against Tunisian women in marriage: Cross-sectional study about 197 consultant in family planning centre of Monastir

SummaryThe objective of this study is to explore the relationship between the violence against women in the marriage and anxiety and depression symptoms and sexual disorders. It was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study carried on 197 married women recruited in family planning centre of Monastir, which were assessed by the Woman Abuse Screening Tool questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety Depression questionnaire, the Female Sexuality Assessment questionnaire and the Azrin's Marital Satisfaction scale. The lifetime prevalence of violence against women in the marriage was 56.9%. The frequency of anxiety and depressive symptoms was three times higher among women victims of violence: 33.9% versus 10.5% (P < 0.0001) for anxiety symptoms and 17.8% versus 5.9% (P = 0.012) for depressive symptoms. Women victims of violence reported more frequently decreased desire, arousal and response disorders and decreased sexual satisfaction. These results justify the implement of screening and support programs for women victims of violence in marriage.