Violence in Adulthood and Mental Health: Gender and Immigrant Status

• NCJ Number: 245696
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 28 Issue: 11 Dated: July 2013 Pages: 2203-2222
• Author(s): Debora Alvarez-del Arco; Julia del Amo; Rocio Garcia-Pina; Ana M. Garcia-Fulgueiras; M. A. Rodriguez-Arenas; Vicente Ibañez-Rojo; Domingo Díaz-del Peral; Inma Jarrin; Alberto Fernandez-Liria; Maria V. Zunzunegui; Visitación Garcia-Ortuzar; Lucia Mazarrasa; Alicia Llacer
• Date Published: July 2013
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The aim of this study was to describe perceived abuse in adult Spanish and Ecuadorian women and men and to assess its association with mental health. A population-based survey was conducted in Spain in 2006.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe perceived abuse in adult Spanish and Ecuadorian women and men and to assess its association with mental health. A population-based survey was conducted in Spain in 2006. Data were taken from a probabilistic sample allowing for an equal number of men and women, Spaniards and Ecuadorians. Mental disorder was measured with the General Health Questionnaire-28. The nine questions on exposure to physical, sexual, and psychological abuse during the previous year were self-administered. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between exposure to abuse and poor mental health, adjusting for potential confounders. The sample was composed of 1,059 individuals aged 18 to 54, 104 of whom reported physical, psychological, or sexual abuse. Some 6% refused to answer the questions on abuse. Overall, reported abuse ranged from 13% in Ecuadorian women to 5% in Spanish men. Psychological abuse was the most frequent. Half the abused women, both Spanish and Ecuadorian, reported intimate partner violence IPV, as did 22% of abused men. Poor mental health was found in 61% of abused Spanish women adjusted Odds Ratio ORa = 5.1; 95% CI: 1.8-14.4, and 62% abused Ecuadorian women ORa = 4; 95% CI: 2-7.9, in 36% of abused Spanish men ORa = 3; 95% CI: 0.9-10.7 and in 30% abused Ecuadorian men ORa = 2.8; 95% CI: 1-7.7. Interpersonal violence is frequent in relations with the partner, the family, and outside the family, and it seriously affects the mental health. Ecuadorian women stand out as the most vulnerable group. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage.