This study aimed to measure the prevalence of emotional distress among women in Leon Nicaragua and to identify risk factors for emotional distress with special reference to wife abuse. A survey was performed among a representative sample of women aged 15-49. Among ever-married women 20% were classified as experiencing emotional distress at the time of the interview and 52% reported physical partner abuse at some point in their lives. Women reporting abuse were six times more likely to experience emotional distress. An estimated 70% of all cases of emotional distress found among ever-married women were attributable to wife abuse. The study underscores the need to improve screening and care for battered women within mental health services in Nicaragua. (authors)