[Violence in Mexican women using public health services]

To compare the prevalence of violence and determine its risk factors among women who use Mexican Social Services (IMSS) clinics and do not have access to social security services.

Sociodemographic data linked to domestic violence reported by women attending the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) health services was analyzed. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed using STATAV.7.

Psychological violence in IMSS women was 18% followed by physical violence (9.1%), sexual (6.7%) and economic (5%). Prevalence of violence in women with no social security care was psychological (21.4%), physical (10.5%), sexual (7.5%) and economical (5%). Women between 25 and 44 years of age with basic schooling and married and with family background of violence were the most affected. The daily consumption of alcohol by their partners was an important predictor of domestic violence.

Violence in women with no social security is higher. Partner's alcohol intake pattern is an important risk factor. Detection of domestic violence in the clinical setting is necessary to recognize its real magnitude as a social problem.