The mental and physical health of severely and non-severely abused U.S. Black Caribbean women

OBJECTIVE: The study examined the mental and physical health of U.S. Caribbean Black women using a nationally representative sample, with a special emphasis on the role of severe intimate partner violence. DESIGN AND METHODS: Data from the National Survey of American Life, the largest and the only known representative study on 1621 non- institutionalized Caribbeans residing in the United States, were used. The mental health (i.e., mood, substance, anxiety, eating) of participants was based on structured mental health assessments (DSM-IV) and physical health was based on self-report of physician-diagnosed conditions (i.e., arthritis, high blood pressure, liver problem, HIV or AIDS). Chi-square tests of independence were used to address differences in rates of mental and physical health conditions between severely abused and non-severely abused women. RESULTS: Rates of mental and physical health problems were generally higher among women experiencing severe intimate partner violence in comparison to women who had not experienced intimate partner violence. This was apparent for conditions such as bipolar disorder (12.4% vs. 1.3%), panic disorder (11.9% vs. 1.9%), alcohol abuse (5.5% vs. 1.8%), suicide attempts (12.7% vs 1.4%), kidney problem (6.0% vs. 1.8%), liver problem (3.7% vs. 0.8%), and HIV or AIDS (1.3% vs. 0.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The study had intervention and preventative implications for both detecting and addressing the health needs of women who are abused by an intimate partner.

Mental disorders in female victims of intimate partner violence in Trinidad

The study examines the prevalence of major depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, alcohol and substance abuse disorders in a sample of 21 women between the ages of 18 and 57 who had experienced intimate partner violence within the previous year. The findings are compared to those in a control sample of 60 women who had never experienced physical abuse. The prevalence of major depression in the battered sample was 71 percent compared to 10 percent in the control sample. Posttraumatic stress disorder was found in 62 percent of the battered sample compared to 2 percent of the control sample. Both findings were statistically significant. Alcohol and substance abuse disorders were found in 14 percent of battered subjects as compared to 2 percent in the control group. This finding was not statistically significant. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that intimate partner violence increases risk for mental health problems (AU)

Factors associated with violence against women who attend counselling centres in Kingston and St. Andrew, Jamaica

One of the problems of modern society is the extent to which violence has become a part of everyday life. Daily reports in the news media suggest that the problem is increasing and while previous research findings suggest a number of factors, which contribute to the problem, there is no indication that mitigation measures are actually helping. In fact reported incidents of violence continue to increase both in Jamaica and the world in general. Violence against women has also become a major problem all over the world. Reports indicate that incidents of violence against women range from 22 percent in some countries to a high of 59 percent in others, (Heise, 1994). Measures to address the problem in Jamaica has resulted in the establishment of a Crisis Centre, which seeks to help abused persons, primarily women. This study was carried out at the Crisis Centre and the Family Court located in Kingston in 1998. A total of 87 abused persons who sought help at these facilities within the study period were interviewed. The abuse took many forms and required various degrees of medical and emotional attention. Of weapons used the gun and stick featured prominently. Several reasons were given for the abuse experienced by respondents, however jealousy resulting in quarrels over a third party was the most common reason given for the onset of abuse (81 percent). When asked why they remained in the abusive situation respondents indicated children as the main cause 80.5 percent of the time. Medical attention was received from private medical practitioners 43 percent of the time, while 72.4 percent of respondents expressed a willingness to testify against their abusers in court. The use of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and cocaine was prevalent, suggesting some link between substance abuse and the violence carried out against female partners. Most respondents indicated that friends and family members were the main sources of support. Very little practical assistance was obtained from the church, an institution of which almost all respondents were members. Respondents cited counselling as the main reason for attending counselling centres. In light of the findings recommendation could include mandatory counselling for males abuse who women and public education programmes to sensitize the society on the consequences of violence against women.(Au)

Violence against women; medico-legal issues

This paper focuses on four main categories of violence, highlighting their legal responses: Domestic violence, Rape, Incest, and other sexual offences. Whether these legal responses adequately take into account medical and sociological considerations is questioned(AU)

Violence against women in Jamaica a public health concern

Violence against women in Jamaica is highlighted in the media as a tropical subject, yet one which is under reported and shrouded in secrecy. The commitment by the Government to control the incidence is vested in the law through the Offenses Against the Persons Act which seeks, through the courts, to punish abusers. The establishment of women's organizations and other lobby groups provide psychological and social support for abused women through various fora and creative activities. Violence against women in Jamaica has deep roots in Caribbean cultural history manifested by the gender approach, sterotypes of women, and the attitudes of both the abuser and the abused. Women in many instances perpetuated these trends by demonstrating the female dependency syndrome, lacking the will to succeed, not seizing opportunities for upward mobility and not acquiring skills for their social and economic independence. A minority of Jamaican women have succeeded in transcending traditional barriers, entering male dominated fields, and sustaining successful careers on the social scene. This transition has also increased their vulnerability to abuse despite their social mobility. Abused women are characterized by psychological manifestations of feeling embarrassed, ashamed, fearful of threats by the abuser, and a feeling of being blamed. There may be physical manifestations of injury, depending on the instrument of abuse. Long term effects are manifested in depression, anxiety, disturbed sleep, unhygienic feelings and possibly suicidal attempts (Morrison 1990). This study is aimed at gaining an insight into the problem of violence against women in Jamaica, and the consequences for the health and well being of women. An attempt is made to improve the limited data base as a contribution to the efforts being made to address this problem of a public health significance. The results from the small sample in this study indicated that women most vulnerable to abuse were those who were single, unskilled, and with a low level of education. The incidence of incest and rape were highest among single women, and the unskilled experienced various types of abuses. Factors such as improved education and skills training were considered as positive indicators for empowering woment to become independent, thus decreasing their vulnerability to abuse (AU)

La OPS enfoca el problema de la violencia contra la mujer / PAHO focuses on the problem of violence against women

In Latin America and the Caribbean (AU)

Abuse and mental disorders among women at walk-in clinics in Trinidad: A cross-sectional study

Background:To determine the prevalence of abuse by their partners and its association with mental disorders among female patients at walk-in clinics in Trinidad. Methods: Female participants from 16 randomly selected walk-in clinics, previously stratified to represent all administrative regions and urban and rural settings, who were 18 years or older, were surveyed during May to August 2007 using the WAST-Short and PRIME-MD questionnaires. Results: 432 women participated (a 92% response rate), Of these 16% were aged 20-29, 11.8% 30 -39 and 19% 40 -49; 37% were married, 25% single; 44.7% were Indo - and 35% Afro -Trinidadian; 67.8% had achieved education up to age 14 only. 30.3% were employed and 3.0% reported incomes more than $5,001 TTD (Trinidad and Tobago Dollars) per month. Forty percent (173) of all respondents were positive for abuse as scored by the WAST-Short scale. Chi-square analysis suggested associations (p < 0.05) between abuse and age, employment status, being in a current relationship, and having the desire to cut down on alcohol intake. Further there were associations between abuse and the presence of depression, suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress disorder and somatization as determined by the PRIME-MD scale. Logistic regression showed that the statistically significant (p < 0.05) predictors of woman abuse were age less than 49, wanting to cut down on alcohol use and currently being in a relationship. Conclusion: Among women of primarily lower socioeconomic status who attend walk-in clinics in Trinidad abuse as measured by the WAST-Short scale is high and there are statistically significant associations with mental disorders as determined by the PRIME-MD scale.