WED-063 - Examining Intimate Partner Violence Among South Asian Women Using a Social Determinants of Health Framework

Brief Abstract Summary: Explore the factors that impact how South Asian immigrant (SAI) women in the United States experience intimate partner violence (IPV). In this narrative literature review that utilized the five Social Determinants of Health as a framework, it was found that Social and Community Context, Economic Stability, and Healthcare Access and Quality were the most salient factors contributing to IPV among SAI women. Generally, SAI women faced culturally specific expectations from their communities that devalued their personal health. Additionally, fears of financial instability and inadequate support from healthcare providers discouraged them from seeking help for IPV. Moreover, intersectional elements complicate the ways in which SAI women handle violence in their everyday lives. Further advocacy in healthcare, social services, and legal settings are crucial to improving outcomes for this population.

Detailed abstract description: South Asian immigrant (SAI) women in the United States (US) are at a higher risk of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) during their lifetimes due to factors such as limited social support from their community and a fear of losing their immigration status. A recent study reported that 23.3% of SAI women in the US experienced physical abuse and 28.4% were non-physically abused (e.g., emotional, economic). Despite the concerning statistics, IPV is understudied in this population. The objective of this study was to examine the factors associated with IPV in SAI women living in the US using the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) as a framework. From August to November 2023, a narrative literature review was conducted to identify suitable articles that discussed SDoH related to IPV in this population. Articles were included if they focused on SAI women, interpersonal violence, and mentioned at least one of the five main SDoH (Social and Community Context, Economic Stability, Education Access and Quality, Neighborhood and Built Environment, and Healthcare Access and Quality). Examples of relevant search terms include “factors impacting intimate partner violence in South Asian women” and “domestic violence in South Asian immigrants”. 26 relevant articles were identified utilizing this inclusion criteria. Social and Community Context, Economic Stability, and Healthcare Access and Quality appeared to be the most salient determinants contributing to the issue of IPV among SAI women within the articles. Economic Stability was mentioned prominently in approximately 38% of the examined articles, Healthcare Access and Quality in 46% of articles, and Social and Community Context in about 69% of articles. Specifically, these factors covered family values as a priority over personal well-being, concerns about financial instability, and issues with provider’s lack of cultural competency that led to difficulties with seeking support. SAI women face many intersectional challenges that serve as barriers to receiving vital support that is needed to reduce and prevent IPV in their communities. Barriers unique to this population were further identified using SDoH as a framework. Future research should further explore SAI-specific cultural values such as Izzat and inquire about resources that are needed for legal support related to immigration/economic status to minimize IPV concerns. Additionally, training is needed for healthcare professionals and organizations to better understand IPV experiences among SAI women.