Abstract
BackgroundMental health problems are the major cause of disability in poor countries, and women are the individuals most affected. The World Health Organization points out that violence against women is the leading cause of mental health problems. This study seeks to identify explanatory factors for women’s mental health problems, highlighting situations of violence suffered by them during childhood, when living with a partner and in the community.MethodA cross-sectional analysis was conducted with 389 mothers with schoolchildren in a city in the state of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Profile variables and childhood and adult life experiences were researched and organized in three analytical blocks. A binary logistic regression model was used, divided into hierarchical blocks.ResultsThe final model shows that women who were the victims of severe physical violence by their partner were more likely (OR = 8.2) to suffer from mental health problems than those who had never been exposed to this type of violence. The mothers of children with behavior problems are more likely to have mental health problems (OR = 3.0) than mothers whose children do not manifest behavioral problems.ConclusionThis study shows that women’s mental health problems are particularly related to the experience of physical violence, especially that occurring in intimate partner relationships. Based on this premise, this work recommends that multidimensional issues need to be included in women’s health assistance programs duly incorporating the specificity of victimization by violence.
Highlights
Mental health problems are the major cause of disability in poor countries, and women are the individuals most affected
The final model shows that women who were the victims of severe physical violence by their partner were more likely (OR = 8.2) to suffer from mental health problems than those who had never been exposed to this type of violence
This work recommends that multidimensional issues need to be included in women’s health assistance programs duly incorporating the specificity of victimization by violence
Summary
Mental health problems are the major cause of disability in poor countries, and women are the individuals most affected. Mental health problems (MHP) are the most important cause of disability in poor countries, accounting for 12% of the total disease burden, with an estimate of 15% by 2020 [1]. Despite its importance, it is the most overlooked problem in global health policy [2]. In addition to biological factors, there is the difficult social condition of women, who mostly tend to perform informal jobs and have lower social status and income than men for the same job, which is one of the aspects that make women more likely to develop mental health problems [4]. Drug use by family members and some temperamental characteristics are other factors that exacerbate women’s mental health problems [4]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
