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[Conjugal violence in the city Temuco. Prevalence studies and associated factors]
M B Vizcarra1, J Cortés, L Bustos
1Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Educación y Humanidades, Unidad de Capacitación, Investigación y Gestión en Salud, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la Frontera, Temuco, Chile. vizcarra@ufro.cl
Background:
Violence against women is a recognized public health problem in developed countries. There is increasing awareness on family violence in Chile, but there is scant information about its prevalence.
Aim:
To determine the prevalence of family violence against women in a population sample in Temuco, Chile.
Material And Methods:
A standardized questionnaire about family violence was applied to a sample of 422 women at their homes. The questionnaire had six sections that included a list of violent behaviors from husbands or partners, a standardized instrument to assess mental health and alcohol consumption by the couple, history of child abuse, community support, type of employment and years of school education.
Results:
Forty nine percent of women reported psychological aggression, 13% reported physical violence and 5.5%, sexual violence. The presence of anxiety or depressive symptoms, being witness of violence between parents during childhood, a lower educational level, being a housewife, alcohol abuse and lack of community support were risk factors for violence among women. Among men, the history of child abuse, a lower education level, and alcohol abuse were identified as risk factors for violent behaviors.
Conclusions:
Conjugal violence is a significant mental health problem in Temuco, Chile.