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Health Sociology Review : the Journal... Jun 2024Domestic violence against women is a complex social phenomenon and a widely recognised issue of public health, which requires that all sectors of society, including the...
Domestic violence against women is a complex social phenomenon and a widely recognised issue of public health, which requires that all sectors of society, including the health sector, take the necessary action to prevent and address it. This paper aims to contribute to the discussion on the role of the primary health care in addressing domestic violence against women, by analysing health professionals' perceptions of their practice as well as the difficulties they experience in providing healthcare to victims. To fulfil this aim, a qualitative approach was chosen, using focus groups with health professionals working in the area of primary health care in an inland region of Portugal. The main findings point to the lack of a specific protocol and insufficient information and skills to respond to domestic violence situations, which hinders health professionals' confidence to intervene and tends to orientate them towards a more medical response. Resulting from these findings, implications for practice are discussed: the need for clear and specific orientations to guide health professionals' intervention; the need to offer training that enables them to provide appropriate healthcare to women experiencing domestic violence; and the need to position themselves in the context of an integrated, multi-sectoral intervention.
PubMed: 38875323
DOI: 10.1080/14461242.2024.2354801 -
The Medico-legal Journal Jun 2024The phenomenon of suicide contagion: some individuals, especially vulnerable young people, exhibit increased susceptibility to suicidal ideation when exposed to the...
The phenomenon of suicide contagion: some individuals, especially vulnerable young people, exhibit increased susceptibility to suicidal ideation when exposed to the suicide of other people. Significant research suggests that exposure to media portrayals, suicide groups and peer suicides may lead to suicide contagion. Prevalent psychosocial and cultural factors in Nepal such as interpersonal conflict, domestic violence, gender inequity and social exclusion probably contribute to suicidal behaviour. This case study investigates a high school student in a rural mountainous community in Nepal, who attempted suicide by hanging following his girlfriend's suicide, and demonstrates how peer suicide exposure prompts imitative behaviour in a vulnerable young person and confirms suicide grief as an underrepresented risk factor. Prompt, supportive interventions for high-risk grievers and societal prevention strategies tailored to adolescents are essential to curb imitative deaths.
PubMed: 38872236
DOI: 10.1177/00258172241243169 -
Child Abuse & Neglect Jun 2024A sizeable literature shows that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with poor health outcomes in later life. However, most studies on the prevalence and...
BACKGROUND
A sizeable literature shows that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with poor health outcomes in later life. However, most studies on the prevalence and predictors of ACEs have been carried out in high-income countries using cross-sectional approaches.
OBJECTIVE
The present study explores the prevalence and predictors of ACEs in Malawi, a low-income country, using prospective longitudinal data collected on adolescents.
PARTICIPANTS
We use data on 1375 adolescents and their biological mothers from the Malawi Longitudinal Study of Families and Health (MLSFH). ACEs were reported by adolescents over two survey waves, in 2017-18 and 2021. Predictors were reported by mothers in 2008 and 2010.
METHODS
Multivariate ordinary least square and logistic regression analyses of ACEs exposure reported by adolescents on indicators of family arrangements and resources.
RESULTS
Adolescents report having been exposed to nearly seven ACEs on average. Among indicators of family arrangements and resources, the only significant predictors of cumulative ACEs exposure are polygyny (linked to parental absence) and mother's SF-12 mental health score (linked to physical abuse and witnessing domestic violence).
CONCLUSIONS
ACEs are much more prevalent in the low-income country under study than in middle- and high-income countries surveyed in prior research. Despite adversity being widespread, most indicators of family arrangements and resources highlighted in prior studies are not associated with adolescents' cumulative ACEs exposure in this context. Mothers' mental health in childhood nevertheless emerges as a significant predictor of adolescents' self-reported ACEs. These findings inform efforts aimed at preventing ACEs in high-adversity contexts.
PubMed: 38870710
DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106895 -
PCN Reports : Psychiatry and Clinical... Sep 2023The purpose of this study was to examine factors affecting depression trait among male intimate partner violence (IPV) victims in Japan utilizing a multiple linear...
AIM
The purpose of this study was to examine factors affecting depression trait among male intimate partner violence (IPV) victims in Japan utilizing a multiple linear regression analysis.
METHODS
A web-based questionnaire survey was conducted. Male IPV victims living in Japan were recruited to answer the questionnaire on the website on February 25-26, 2021. A total of 16,414 subjects were enrolled, of whom 1466 respondents were included in the study. Other than IPV exposure, information about sociodemographic characteristics, past traumatic experiences and psychiatric history was collected. The Domestic Violence Screening Inventory (DVSI), a 20-item questionnaire regarding IPV exposure, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) were used to determine the intensity and the type of IPV harm and to screen for depression, respectively.
RESULTS
The victims were more frequently subject to psychological abuse than to physical violence. Based on PHQ-9 scores, 10.7% of respondents exhibited moderate to severe depression. In the DVSI score, 79.2% of respondents required "observation and support." The lowest level of academic attainment (junior high school), positive psychiatric history, foregoing divorce to avoid adverse childhood experiences of their offspring, childhood exposure to domestic violence, younger age, having no children, and experience of school bullying were shown to be significantly associated with depression trait.
CONCLUSION
Male IPV harm has a multilayered complexity. The sociodemographic characteristics and experiences of victims' own have a greater impact on depression trait than direct violent harm, suggesting that the violence-focused support might be inadequate for male victims. Comprehensive supports are urgently needed.
PubMed: 38867840
DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.127 -
Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Apr 2024
Review
Topics: Humans; United States; Child; Child Abuse; Female; Male; Child Welfare
PubMed: 38867427
DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2024.2354266 -
BMC Psychology Jun 2024Unintended pregnancies and intimate partner violence can adversely affect women, infants, and their psychological well-being. The study aimed to compare depression,... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Comparison of maternal-fetal attachment, anxiety, depression, and prevalence of intimate partner violence in Iranian women with intended and unintended pregnancy: a cross-sectional study.
BACKGROUND
Unintended pregnancies and intimate partner violence can adversely affect women, infants, and their psychological well-being. The study aimed to compare depression, anxiety, maternal-fetal attachment, and the prevalence of intimate partner violence between women with and without unintended pregnancies in Tabriz, Iran. The study sought to address the lack of research on this topic in the Iranian context.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 486 pregnant women attending health centers in Tabriz City between 2022 and 2023. A cluster sampling method was utilized, and data were gathered through the administration of socio-demographic, Maternal Fetal Attachment, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression, World Health Organization Domestic Violence, and Pregnancy Anxiety instruments. A general linear model (GLM), controlling for potential confounding variables, was used to compare anxiety, depression, and maternal-fetal attachment between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, also controlling for potential confounding variables, was employed to compare the prevalence of domestic violence between the two groups.
RESULTS
The results of the adjusted GLM indicated that women with unintended pregnancies had significantly lower maternal-fetal attachment (Adjusted mean difference (AMD):-9.82, 95% CI:-12.4 to -7.15 ; p < 0.001)), higher levels of depression (AMD: 2.89; CI: 1.92 to 3.86 ; p < 0.001), and higher levels of anxiety (MD: 5.65; 95% CI: 3.84 to 7.45; p < 0.001) compared to women with intended pregnancies. During pregnancy, 40% of women with unintended pregnancies and 19.2% of women with intended pregnancies reported experiencing at least one form of physical, sexual, or emotional violence. The results of the adjusted multivariable logistic regression revealed that women with unintended pregnancies had a significantly higher odds of experiencing emotional violence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.94; 95% CI: 1.64 to 5.26; p < 0.001), sexual violence, (aOR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.32 to 3.85; p = 0.004), and physical violence (aOR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.50 to 3.77; p < 0.001) compared to women with intended pregnancies.
CONCLUSIONS
The study found that women with unintended pregnancies had lower levels of maternal-fetal attachment, higher levels of anxiety and depression, and a high prevalence of intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, and emotional violence, compared to women with intended pregnancies. These results emphasize the importance of implementing policies aimed at reducing unintended pregnancies.
Topics: Humans; Female; Iran; Pregnancy; Cross-Sectional Studies; Intimate Partner Violence; Adult; Pregnancy, Unplanned; Prevalence; Depression; Anxiety; Young Adult; Maternal-Fetal Relations; Adolescent; Pregnant Women
PubMed: 38867327
DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01847-x -
BMC Women's Health Jun 2024Women who are migrants experience discrimination and face major risks, including sexual exploitation, trafficking, and violence, which affect their health and...
BACKGROUND
Women who are migrants experience discrimination and face major risks, including sexual exploitation, trafficking, and violence, which affect their health and well-being. This study explored critical health incidents experienced by immigrant Thai women in marriage migration.
METHODS
A qualitative explorative approach with in-depth interviews was used. Forty immigrant Thai women who currently or previously had a Swedish spouse were recruited for the study. An inductive critical incident technique was used to collect and analyze the data as the first step. In a second deductive step, the Newman system model was used to categorize health dilemmas.
RESULTS
The women reported 438 critical health incidents in five main areas. Psychological health dilemmas included emotional abuse, feeling overwhelmed due to family responsibilities and the stress of leaving family behind. Sociocultural health dilemmas included transnational family duties or not performing family duties. Physiological health dilemmas included experiencing physical violence and environmental, domestic or work accidents. Developmental health dilemmas included failing health, difficulties upholding the duties expected of a spouse in the target culture and caring for an elderly husband. Spiritual health dilemmas included critical incidents in which the women perceived themselves to have failed in their hopes and duties as a wife, which intensified their dependence on faith, particularly the Buddhist concept of karma.
CONCLUSION
Professionals in health and welfare practices in Thailand together with professionals in Western countries who work with women in marriage migration situations need to recognize the psychological, sociocultural, physiological, developmental, and spiritual health dilemmas experienced by these women. Furthermore, civil organizations that meet Thai women in foreign countries, such as Buddhist cultural associations, would benefit from the multicultural knowledge revealed by the present study. This knowledge can facilitate healthcare and welfare support for women in marriage migration situations.
Topics: Humans; Female; Sweden; Thailand; Emigrants and Immigrants; Marriage; Adult; Middle Aged; Qualitative Research; Spouses; Health Status; Stress, Psychological; Southeast Asian People
PubMed: 38867221
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03071-6 -
BMJ Open Jun 2024Although prior research suggests that household food insecurity (HFI) is associated with intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW), there is a paucity of research...
Is household food insecurity associated with social attitudes accepting of physical intimate partner violence against women in Nigeria? A population-level cross-sectional study.
OBJECTIVES
Although prior research suggests that household food insecurity (HFI) is associated with intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW), there is a paucity of research regarding its impact on attitudes accepting of IPVAW. We examined whether individuals experiencing HFI are more likely to accept physical IPVAW, whether the association varies by gender and whether it persists when models are adjusted for other confounders.
DESIGN
Population-level cross-sectional analysis.
SETTING
This study used the round 6 of the UNICEF-supported Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted in Nigeria.
PARTICIPANTS
The sample included 23 200 women and 7087 men, aged 15-49 years, who were currently married or in union and responded to the attitudes towards domestic violence and HFI modules in the MICS.
OUTCOME MEASURES AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
Attitudinal acceptance of physical IPVAW (specific forms and overall). We conducted weighted multivariable logistic regression to estimate the OR and their corresponding 95% CIs of the associations of food insecurity (FI) with attitudinal acceptance of physical IPVAW, adjusting for potential confounders.
RESULTS
Multivariable results indicate that severe HFI was positively associated with attitudinal acceptance physical IPVAW in at least one of the scenarios presented (aOR=1.11; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.22). Individuals experiencing severe HFI had higher odds of physical IPVAW acceptance when wife neglects the children (aOR=1.15; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.31). The likelihood of physical IPVAW acceptance if wife burns the food was lower for women experiencing moderate HFI (aOR=0.86; 95% CI: 0.74 to 0.99). Stratified analyses indicated heterogeneity in the association between HFI and attitudinal acceptance of physical IPVAW by gender.
CONCLUSION
Our findings indicate that, depending on the severity, FI status may be associated with attitudinal acceptance of physical IPVAW, with potential variations based on gender. The public health implications are discussed.
Topics: Humans; Female; Nigeria; Cross-Sectional Studies; Adult; Food Insecurity; Male; Middle Aged; Intimate Partner Violence; Adolescent; Young Adult; Logistic Models; Family Characteristics; Attitude
PubMed: 38866566
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-082760 -
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health Jun 2024This study aimed to determine what proportion of children presenting to a tertiary children's hospital with ingestion were referred for child protection assessment, and...
AIM
This study aimed to determine what proportion of children presenting to a tertiary children's hospital with ingestion were referred for child protection assessment, and to describe the characteristics of the referred group.
METHODS
This is a retrospective case series study of children who presented to a tertiary children's hospital between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2020 with ingestion (poisoning). Demographic and clinical data were collected from the electronic medical record and patients who underwent child protection assessment were identified. The child protection group was compared to the whole cohort. The child protection group had psychosocial data gathered and descriptively analysed.
RESULTS
Two hundred and three patients were included. The most common substances ingested were over-the-counter medications (45%) followed by prescription medications (41%). Most patients were discharged from the emergency department (70%). Of the 203 patients, 24 (11.8%, 95% CI 7.72-17.08) were referred to the child protection unit. A significant proportion of these patients had a history of parental depression (64%) and other mental health conditions (41%), parent separation (77%) and domestic violence in the home (64%).
CONCLUSION
The patients assessed by the child protection team had high prevalence of psychosocial risk factors that also place the patients at risk of child abuse and neglect. Most of the other patients did not have a psychosocial history documented in the medical record, and this group likely contains a high proportion of vulnerable children. By screening patients presenting with ingestion we may be able to identify children at risk and provide opportunities for protective intervention.
PubMed: 38864398
DOI: 10.1111/jpc.16592 -
Journal of Family & Reproductive Health Mar 2024Shelters are an important part of a full response to survivors, as stated in many international conventions, such as the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Shelters are an important part of a full response to survivors, as stated in many international conventions, such as the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (BDPfA). This study aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the establishment of shelters for women survivors of violence.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This narrative review was conducted based on the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA). The MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase, Ovid, and EBSCO databases in English and Magiran and Scientific Information Database (SID) in Persian were searched for related documents. Also, WHO, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the United Nations Population Fund's (UNFPA) guidelines and instructions for shelter services for women and girls who have been subjected were searched up to July 31, 2023. A qualitative synthesis was carried out on the 28 eligible articles and instructions out of the 420 retrieved documents.
RESULTS
"A "shelter" describes emergency and temporary "safe accommodation for women and children who have been subjected to or are at risk of (typically male) domestic abuse. Types of shelters include emergency shelters or safe homes, second-stage or transitional housing facilities, third-stage housing, and alternative accommodation during (and occasionally after) the period of residence. The shelter delivers a wide range of services, including health services, socio-economic services, and legal services. These principles consisted of a comprehensive perspective, quality of service, organization, funding, and the right issues.
CONCLUSION
Women who are survivors need holistic, interdisciplinary, and specialist care that focuses on safety and needs. The adoption of regulations with robust enforcement guarantees and the facilitation of approvals for the construction of non-governmental shelters and safe houses should be on the agenda setting.
PubMed: 38863844
DOI: 10.18502/jfrh.v18i1.15434