The predictive role of intimate partner violence in treatment adherence among women with chronic illness: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: This study was an attempt to shed light on the predictive role of intimate partner violence in adhering to treatment regimens in women with chronic illnesses.

METHOD: In a descriptive-analytical study, 400women with chronic illnesses in Bushehr were selected through convenience sampling. The data were collected by distributing a demographic information form and two questionnaires, including the intimate partner violence (IPV) questionnaire and the treatment adherence scale.

RESULTS: According to the results, the 40 to 59 years age group ( P  = 0.046, β = 0.104), the 60 to 79 years age group ( P  = 0.019, β = 0.122), and the group receiving education about chronic illness ( P  = 0.031, β = 0.106) showed a direct relationship with treatment adherence, while IPV ( P  < 0.001, β = 0.284) had a significant inverse relationship with treatment adherence.

CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that predictors of treatment adherence are IPV in women aged 40 and older with chronic illnesses, and receiving education about chronic illnesses. It is necessary for healthcare providers to consider barriers such as intimate partner violence when providing education in order to increase treatment adherence. To avoid nonadherence, managers and health planners should implement policies to increase the level of awareness of healthcare staff on how to manage care of women with chronic illnesses who are abused by an intimate partner and refer them to counselors and family helpers.