Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved · 2009 · 23 citations · 36 references
MedicineEthnic StudiesFamily MedicineMental Health CareViolence PreventionWomen's HealthDomestic Violence CounselingDomestic Violence VictimizationIntimate Partner Violence PreventionLatino Health StudiesSexual Violence PreventionViolence Against WomenCulturally Appropriate CareDepressive Symptom AssessmentDomestic Violence ImpactFamily Socioeconomic StatusHousehold Socioeconomic StatusLatino Health DisparitiesMedical Response To Domestic ViolenceMental Health Among Latinos
Little research has addressed the association of domestic violence (DV) with physical and mental health in Hispanic women. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 146 Hispanic women patients in 2002 at an urban family medicine practice. Twenty-one percent of the women were identified as current victims of DV. Two-fifths of victims (41.9%) experienced physical and/or sexual abuse. Approximately two-thirds (64.5%) had depressive symptoms. Poorer mental health was associated with all forms of abuse. Relatively low socioeconomic status and acculturation level may lead to disparities in obtaining services for DV intervention. Culturally appropriate protocols are needed in primary care settings to prevent and intervene among Hispanic women at risk for DV.
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