Anita Raj, PhD¹, Rosalyn Liu, MPH², Jennifer McCleary-Sills¹, and Jay G Silverman, PhD³. (1) Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany St, T2W, Boston, MA 02118, 617-638-6467, anitaraj@bu.edu, (2) Department of Infectious Disease, Boston Medical Center, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, (3) Harvard Children's Initiative, Harvard University, 126 Mount Auburn St, Cambridge, MA 02138

OBJECTIVE: To assess relationships between IPV and sexual and reproductive health outcomes, including gynecologic health problems, unwanted pregnancy, sterilization, and acquisition of gynecologic care among South Asian women residing in Greater Boston.

METHOD: We collected survey data on demographics, IPV and sexual and reproductive health outcomes from South Asian women currently in relationships with men (N=208). We conducted in-depth interviews with immigrant South Asian women with a history of IPV (N=23). Women in both the quantitative and qualitative studies were majority Indian (95.7% and 65.2%), non-US citizens (63.2% and 82.6%), and highly educated (46.2% and 39.1% reported postgraduate training). Logistic regression analyses adjusted for related demographics and 95% confidence intervals were used to assess quantitative data. We assessed qualitative data via a grounded theory approach, providing quotes illustrating major themes.

RESULTS: 21.2% of the survey sample reported IPV in the current relationship. Surveyed women reporting IPV in their current relationship, as compared with those not doing so, are 2.6 times as likely to report discolored vaginal discharge in the past year (95% CI=1.276.50), 3.1 times as likely to report burning during urination in the past year (95% CI=1.526.31) and 3.4 times as likely to report unwanted pregnancy in their current relationship (95% CI=1.338.66). Abused women interviewed also described how experiences of abuse reduce their sexual autonomy, increasing risk for unwanted pregnancy and multiple abortions.

CONCLUSION: Study findings demonstrate the need for increased gynecologic health outreach to abused South Asian women in the US.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify sexual and reproductive health concerns related to IPV among South Asian immigrants.
• Integrate qualitative and quantitative data results to understand IPV and sexual health outcomes.
• Prioritize sexual health needs of abused South Asian women.

Keywords: Reproductive Health, Women's Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.