Public Health · 1 h ago
Meta-analysis estimates domestic violence prevalence among women in Pakistan
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 24 cross-sectional studies estimated that 52% of women in Pakistan had experienced at least one form of domestic violence. Estimates varied widely across studies, with very high statistical heterogeneity and differences by measurement instrument.
- Pooled prevalence of any domestic violence was 52%.
- Psychological violence was the most commonly reported form.
- Between-study heterogeneity exceeded 99%.
- Measurement instruments affected reported prevalence estimates.
Researchers searched six databases through August 2025 for cross-sectional studies reporting domestic violence prevalence among women in Pakistan. They included 24 studies and used a random-effects model to pool estimates, assessing study quality with the JBI checklist and publication bias with Egger’s test.
The pooled prevalence of any domestic violence was 52% (95% CI, 40.6%–64.1%). Estimates were 54.2% for psychological violence (95% CI, 42.7%–65.7%), 40.4% for physical violence (95% CI, 31.9%–48.9%), and 27.9% for sexual violence (95% CI, 17.9%–37.9%). Psychological violence was the most common category. The authors also reported a potential downward trend in overall violence over time.
Heterogeneity was very high (I² >99%), limiting the precision and generalizability of the pooled estimate. Studies using investigator-developed instruments reported higher prevalence than those using standard instruments. The findings describe a substantial reported burden but do not assess the effectiveness of routine enquiry or other clinical interventions.
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BMC Public Health: Prevalence of domestic violence against women in Pakistan: a systematic review and meta-analysis ↗This is an automated AI-condensed summary that has not yet been reviewed by an editor. Always consult the full item at the original source.