Factors Associated with Domestic Violence before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic at One-Stop Crisis Center, Khon Kaen Hospital

Abstract

This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to identify the factors associated with domestic violence
during the COVID-19 pandemic at the One-Stop Crisis Center, Khon Kaen Hospital. The study
analyzed data from 362 cases of domestic violence that occurred before the COVID-19 pandemic (from
1 July 2017 to 30 June 2019) and during the pandemic (from 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2021). The
data were collected from the case record forms of the One-Stop Crisis Center and primary data from an
online recording program authorized by the Ministry of Public Health’s Health Administration Division;
and were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics and presented as an Adjusted Odds Ratio
and 95% Confidence Interval. The study found that the number of cases of domestic violence during
the COVID-19 pandemic was slightly lower than that in the pre-pandemic period. However, the study
revealed an increase in cases of physical and psychological abuse during the pandemic, accounting for
137 cases (52.47%) and 11 cases (64.7%), respectively, compared to the pre-pandemic period.
The majority of cases before and during the pandemic were female. The study identified four potential
risk factors that were significantly associated with domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic,
which included residing away from parents (Adj. OR 3.49, 95%CI 2.02 – 6.03, p<0.05), living with
extended family members (Adj. OR 5.08, 95%CI 1.93 – 13.40, p<0.05), other incident places outside
their own home (Adj. OR 2.12, 95%CI 1.19 – 3.77, p<0.05), and involvement in disputes (Adj. OR
2.11, 95%CI 1.11 – 4.02, p<0.05). The study highlights the increase in physical and psychological
violence during the COVID-19 pandemic and identifies the main factors associated with domestic
violence. It is crucial to assess and act on this information to reduce the risk of domestic violence during
future outbreaks.