The prevalence of emotional abuse in gynaecology patients and its association with gynaecological symptoms

AimTo determine the lifetime prevalence of emotional abuse in a population of women attending a gynaecology outpatient clinic and also to investigate whether women who reported emotional abuse were more likely to complain of certain gynaecological symptoms.SettingA gynaecology outpatient clinic in a North of England Hospital.MethodsAnonymous confidential questionnaire given to women.ResultsNine hundred and twenty consecutive women were included, 825 questionnaires were returned (90% response rate). The prevalence of emotional abuse was 24% (198/825). Emotional abuse is four times less common in women over 50 years old. Of the fifteen presenting symptoms reported by the women, referral for termination of pregnancy, cervical smear abnormality, worry about cancer and urinary incontinence were significantly more common in the group who reported emotional abuse. The women with emotional abuse also had significantly more consultations; however, the duration of their symptoms was not significantly different.ConclusionThe prevalence of emotional abuse in a group of women attending the gynaecology outpatient clinic in a North of England Hospital was 24%. Women who are subjected to emotional abuse tend to have more consultations and are more likely to complain of certain symptoms.