Perceived Impact of Intimate Partner Violence on Health-Related Quality of Life among Abused Jordanian Women

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major public health problem that can affect women’s physical, psychological, social, and economic well-being. Qualitative evidence on how abused women in Jordan perceive its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remains limited. in Jordan. Purpose: To explore the perceived impact of IPV on HRQoL among abused women in Jordan. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted among 15 abused women attending the Family Protection Department in Irbid, Jordan, between March and December 2023. Participants were selected purposively and interviewed face-to-face using a semi-structured guide. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed manually using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis. Results: Eight themes emerged. IPV was described as progressive, often beginning with verbal abuse and worsening over time. It negatively affected emotional well-being, relationships, self-worth, physical health, and financial stability. Social stigma reinforced silence and endurance, while support from other women helped reduce isolation. Conclusion: IPV profoundly compromised women’s HRQoL across psychological, social, physical, and economic domains. Implications for Nursing: Nurses should adopt traumainformed and survivor-centered approaches to assess and address these multidimensional consequences. Keywords: Intimate partner violence, Abused women, Health-related quality of life, Qualitative study, Jordan, Nursing.