[Violence against women in transnational communities in San Luis Potosí, Mexico: a public health problem]. / La violencia contra mujeres en comunidades transnacionales de San Luis Potosí, México: un problema de salud pública.

Violence against women is a worldwide problem due to its impact on quality of life for those living under the complicity of a patriarchal culture and a state that makes such violence invisible. This article aims to give visibility to the contexts of violence affecting female "partners of migrants" in their places of origin, problematizing how such violence assaults their physical and mental health. This was a qualitative study with an interpretative anthropological focus, drawing on a sample of 21 women from rural and urban areas in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Interviews were based on daily life history and discourse analysis. According to the results, women experience more violence when their spouses migrate, new forms of violence are committed against them, and the violence occurs in both the household and the community. Violence against women is a public health problem that should be treated through a framework that is sensitive to the social and cultural dynamics characterizing the contexts in which health programs are implemented.

Physical intimate partner violence and low birth weight in newborns from primary health care units of the city of Rio de Janeiro / Violência física entre parceiros íntimos e baixo peso ao nascer em recém nascidos atendidos em unidades básicas de saúde da cidade do Rio de Janeiro

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the association between physical intimate partner violence and low birth weight. Methods This cross-sectional study included 604 children with approximately 30 days of age who visited four primary health care units in the city of Rio de Janeiro , Brazil, for the second dose of hepatitis B vaccine. Children with a birth weight below 2.500 g were considered underweight. Information regarding physical intimate partner violence was obtained by the Portuguese version of the Conflict Tactics Scale. The study investigated the 12 months prior to interview. Physical intimate partner violence was analyzed as a dichotomous variable and cumulatively. Associations between physical intimate partner violence and low birth weight were verified by logistic regression models based on crude and adjusted odds ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals. Results Some (7.1%) babies were born underweight, and 33.6% of the mothers had been exposed to physical intimate partner violence. Physical intimate partner violence was significantly associated with low birth weight (OR=3.69; 95%CI=1.57-8.66). Notably, the odds of low birth weight increase with the severity of violence. Conclusion These findings draw attention to the consequences of physical intimate partner violence on the nutritional status of newborns and emphasize the need of greater attention during prenatal care to improve women's quality of life and to reduce the rate of low birth weight.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar a associação da violência física entre parceiros íntimos e a ocorrência de baixo peso ao nascer. Métodos Estudo seccional com 604 crianças com cerca de 30 dias que compareceram a quatro unidades de saúde do município do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, para realização da segunda dose da vacina contra hepatite B. Crianças nascidas com peso inferior a 2,500 g foram consideradas baixo peso. Informações referentes à violência física entre parceiros íntimos foram obtidas por meio da versão em português do instrumento Conflict Tactics Scale. O período de tempo investigado referiu-se aos 12 meses anteriores à entrevista. A violência física entre parceiros íntimos foi analisada de maneira dicotômica e cumulativa. As associações entre violência física entre parceiros íntimos e baixo peso ao nascer foram verificadas via modelos de regressão logística, mediante estimativas de razões de chances brutas e ajustadas e seus respectivos intervalos de 95% de confiança. Resultados Nasceram com baixo peso 7,1% das crianças e foram expostas à violência física entre parceiros íntimos 33,6% das mulheres estudadas. A violência física entre parceiros íntimos foi significativamente associada com o baixo peso ao nascer (OR=3,69; IC95%=1,57-8,66). Destaca-se que à medida que a gravidade da violência cresce, aumentam também as chances de ocorrência para o baixo peso ao nascer. Conclusão Esses achados chamam a atenção para as consequências da violência física entre parceiros íntimos no estado nutricional do recém nato, e apontam para necessidade de maior atenção durante os cuidados do pré-natal, visando à melhoria da qualidade de vida da mulher assim como à diminuição de nascimentos de baixo peso.

La violencia contra mujeres en comunidades transnacionales de San Luis Potosí, México: un problema de salud pública / Violence against women in transnational communities in San Luis Potosí, Mexico: a public health problem / A violência contra as mulheres nas comunidades transnacionais de San Luis Potosí, México: um problema de saúde pública

Resumen: La violencia contra las mujeres es un problema mundial, dado el impacto que tiene en la calidad de vida de quienes la viven, bajo la complicidad de una cultura patriarcal y un Estado que la invisibiliza. Este artículo busca hacer visibles los contextos de violencia en que viven mujeres "parejas de migrantes" en las localidades de origen, problematizando cómo atentan contra su salud física y mental. Se trató de un estudio cualitativo con enfoque en la antropología interpretativa, con 21 mujeres de localidades rurales y urbanas de San Luis Potosí, México; se aplicaron entrevistas desde el marco de historia de la vida cotidiana y análisis de discurso. Los resultados muestran que las mujeres viven mayor violencia cuando sus parejas migran, nuevas formas de violencia se cometen contra ellas, y los ámbitos en que la sufren incluyen el doméstico y el comunitario. La violencia contra las mujeres constituye un problema de salud pública que debe atenderse desde un marco sensible a las dinámicas sociales y culturales que caracterizan los contextos en que se aplican los programas de salud.

Abstract: Violence against women is a worldwide problem due to its impact on quality of life for those living under the complicity of a patriarchal culture and a state that makes such violence invisible. This article aims to give visibility to the contexts of violence affecting female "partners of migrants" in their places of origin, problematizing how such violence assaults their physical and mental health. This was a qualitative study with an interpretative anthropological focus, drawing on a sample of 21 women from rural and urban areas in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Interviews were based on daily life history and discourse analysis. According to the results, women experience more violence when their spouses migrate, new forms of violence are committed against them, and the violence occurs in both the household and the community. Violence against women is a public health problem that should be treated through a framework that is sensitive to the social and cultural dynamics characterizing the contexts in which health programs are implemented.

Resumo: A violência contra as mulheres é um problema mundial, devido ao impacto que tem na qualidade de vida daquelas que a sofrem, submetidas à cumplicidade de uma cultura patriarcal e um Estado que a deixa invisível. Este artigo objetiva visibilizar os contextos de violência que sofrem as mulheres "casais de emigrantes" nas localidades de origem, problematizando de que forma atentam contra a saúde física e mental delas. Foi realizado um estudo qualitativo com uma abordagem na antropologia interpretativa com 21 mulheres das localidades rurais e urbanas de San Luis Potosí, México; foram feitas entrevistas desde a perspectiva da historia da vida cotidiana e análises do discurso. Os resultados mostram que as mulheres vivem uma maior violência quando seus parceiros emigram e novas formas de violência são cometidas contra elas, acontecendo tanto no âmbito doméstico, quanto no comunitário. A violência contra as mulheres constitui um problema de saúde pública que deve ser visto desde um quadro sensível com as dinâmicas sociais e culturais que caracterizam os contextos em que se aplicam os programas de saúde.

Outcomes associated with common and immigrant-group-specific responses to intimate terrorism.

The research for this article used available qualitative data from separate studies of South Asian-, Vietnamese-, and Hispanic-origin women victimized by intimate terrorism. Regardless of country of origin, period, or U.S. community, women used similar ways to cope. Consistent with perpetrators' misogynistic attitudes and aim of enforcing patriarchal expectations, many women responded to abuse from positions of powerlessness and fear. Instrumental help from family and friends and, depending on the group, advocacy agencies or counseling services assisted women in leaving men or stopping the abuse. Women used multiple coping strategies, often adding new approaches when those used initially failed.

Intimate Partner Violence and Depression Among Latin American Women in Toronto.

Research from the United States suggests that Latin American immigrant and refugee women are one of the groups most greatly impacted by intimate partner violence (IPV) and associated mental health consequences including higher rates of depression than women from other ethno-racial groups. In Canada, little is known about the experience of IPV and mental health among this population. Even in the broader North American context, how Latin American women themselves perceive the connection between IPV and depression is unknown. This paper presents the findings of a pilot study that examined the perceived relationship between IPV and depression among Spanish-Speaking Latin American Women in Toronto, Canada. The theoretical framework guiding this qualitative study combined an ecological model for understanding gender based violence and mental health with critical intersectionality theory. Using a convenience and snowball sampling method, semi-structured interviews (n = 12) were conducted and thematic content analysis was completed supported by Nvivo9(®) qualitative data management software. All participants had experienced some form of IPV in their adult lives, with psychological violence being the most common. Women perceived a powerful connection between IPV and depression, a link made stronger by the accumulation of other adverse life experiences including childhood abuse, war traumas and migration. The results suggest that IPV is just one of the challenges experienced by Latin American refugee and immigrant women. IPV is experienced in the context of other traumatic experiences and social hardships that may work to intensify the association of IPV and depression in this population.

Risk Factors for Intimate Partner Violence in a Migrant Farmworker Community in Baja California, México.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is one of the most common forms of violence against women worldwide. Among Mexican women, it is estimated that 15 to 71% have experienced physical or sexual abuse by an intimate male partner in their lifetime. This study examined the prevalence of four leading risk factors associated with IPV (alcohol consumption, education, socioeconomic status (SES), and gender roles) in adult women (n = 68) in a migrant farmworker community in México. Alcohol consumption among women was higher than the national average, and partner consumption was lower. Education level and SES were low, and women identified with a feminist ideology more than a traditional gender role. Results also revealed that 86.4% (n = 57) of participants identified violence against women as a common problem in the community, and the majority (94.0%, n = 62) of participants believe that IPV specifically is a problem within the community.

Factors associated with increased risk for lethal violence in intimate partner relationships among ethnically diverse black women.

The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with increased risk for lethal violence among ethnically diverse Black women in Baltimore, Maryland (MD), and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). Women with abuse experiences (N = 456) were recruited from primary care, prenatal, or family planning clinics in Baltimore, MD, and St. Thomas and St. Croix. Logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with the risk for lethal violence among abused women. Factors independently related to increased risk of lethal violence included fear of abusive partners, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), symptoms, and use of legal resources. These factors must be considered in assessing safety needs of Black women in abusive relationships.

Social and immigration factors in intimate partner violence among Ecuadorians, Moroccans and Romanians living in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women occurs in all countries, all cultures and at every level of society; however, some populations may be at greater risk than others. The aim of this study was to explore IPV prevalence among Ecuadorian, Moroccan and Romanian immigrant women living in Spain and its possible association with their personal, family, social support and immigration status characteristics. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 1607 adult immigrant women residing in Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia (2011). Prevalence rates and adjusted odds ratios (AORs) were calculated, with current IPV being the outcome. Different women's personal (demographic), family, social support and immigration status characteristics were considered as explicative and control variables. All analyses were separated by women's country of origin. RESULTS: Current IPV prevalence was 15.57% in Ecuadorians, 10.91% in Moroccans and 8.58% in Romanians. Some common IPV factors were found, such as being separated and/or divorced. In Romanians, IPV was also associated with lack of social support [AOR 5.96 (1.39-25.62)] and low religious involvement [AOR 2.17 (1.06-4.43)]. The likelihood of current IPV was lower among women without children or other dependents in this subgroup [AOR 0.29 (0.093-0.92)]. CONCLUSION: The IPV prevalence rates obtained for Moroccan, Romanian and Ecuadorian women residing in Spain were similar. Whereas the likelihood of IPV appeared to be relatively evenly distributed among Moroccan and Ecuadorian women, it was higher among Romanian women in socially vulnerable situations related to family responsibilities and the lack of support networks. The importance of intervention in the process of separation and divorce was common to all women.

Intimate partner violence in Mexican-American women with disabilities: a secondary data analysis of cross-language research.

The aim of this qualitative descriptive study, guided by Antonovsky's salutogenic model, was to explore the manifestations of strength within the interviews of Spanish-speaking Mexican-American women aging with mobility impairments who also experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). IPV events gleaned from 26 audiotaped interviews from 7 Spanish-speaking Mexican-American women, who ranged in age from 55 to 75 years, constituted the sample for this secondary analysis. Five categories were identified: abuse from early on that shaped sense of coherence; violencia tan cruel--threatened sense of coherence; "salutogenic" choices within the context of IPV; a quest for peace; and strength amid struggle.

[Domestic violence against women and professional intervention in primary healthcare: an ethnographic study in Matinhos, Paraná State, Brazil]. / Violência doméstica contra mulheres e a atuação profissional na atenção primária à saúde: um estudo etnográfico em Matinhos, Paraná, Brasil.

Domestic violence has multiple repercussions on women's health and raises a challenging agenda for health professionals in Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). The aim of this study was to analyze how health professionals treat these women, problematizing the notion of acolhimento (receptiveness or openness to patients). A qualitative ethnographic research approach was used with health professionals from a primary care unit (PHU) in Matinhos, Paraná State, Brazil. The study revealed care that was focused on: (1) biologizing principles, with a focus on physical lesions and medicalization and (2) dialogue, active listening, psychosocial questions, and establishment of ties, especially featuring community health agents in this approach. The limited official local structure for handling domestic violence justifies treatment oriented by the grammar of acolhimento, recommended by the SUS, described in the literature, and verbalized in the PHU, but rarely problematized. This article thus proposed to contribute to this debate, not by establishing prescriptions for action, but by raising questions and mainly highlighting and translating the voices of those who deal with this challenge on a daily basis.

Violência doméstica contra mulheres e a atuação profissional na atenção primária à saúde: um estudo etnográfico em Matinhos, Paraná, Brasil / Domestic violence against women and professional intervention in primary healthcare: an etnographic study in Matinhos, Paraná State, Brazil / Violencia doméstica contra mujeres y la actuación profesional en la atención primaria a la salud: un estudio etnográfico en Matinhos, Paraná, Brasil

A violência doméstica provoca múltiplas repercussões na saúde das mulheres e gera desafiadora agenda para os profissionais do SUS. Objetivou-se analisar como profissionais de saúde atendem tais mulheres, problematizando a noção de acolhimento em saúde. Adotou-se pesquisa qualitativa e aproximação etnográfica com profissionais de uma unidade básica de saúde (UBS) de Matinhos, Paraná, Brasil. A pesquisa revelou atendimentos centrados em: (1) preceitos biologizantes, com foco em lesões físicas e medicalização; (2) diálogo, escuta ativa, questões psicossociais e estabelecimento de vínculos, destacando-se agentes comunitários de saúde nesta abordagem. A escassez de estrutura local oficial para manejo da violência doméstica enseja atuação inscrita sob a gramática do acolhimento, preconizada pelo SUS, descrita pela literatura, verbalizada na UBS, mas pouco problematizada. Com este artigo buscou-se, portanto, contribuir com tal debate, não no estabelecimento de prescrições, porém no levantamento de indagações e principalmente visibilizando e traduzindo vozes de quem trabalha diuturnamente com esse desafio.

Domestic violence has multiple repercussions on women's health and raises a challenging agenda for health professionals in Brazilian Unified National Health System (SUS). The aim of this study was to analyze how health professionals treat these women, problematizing the notion of acolhimento (receptiveness or openness to patients). A qualitative ethnographic research approach was used with health professionals from a primary care unit (PHU) in Matinhos, Paraná State, Brazil. The study revealed care that was focused on: (1) biologizing principles, with a focus on physical lesions and medicalization and (2) dialogue, active listening, psychosocial questions, and establishment of ties, especially featuring community health agents in this approach. The limited official local structure for handling domestic violence justifies treatment oriented by the grammar of acolhimento, recommended by the SUS, described in the literature, and verbalized in the PHU, but rarely problematized. This article thus proposed to contribute to this debate, not by establishing prescriptions for action, but by raising questions and mainly highlighting and translating the voices of those who deal with this challenge on a daily basis.

La violencia doméstica provoca múltiples repercusiones en la salud de las mujeres y genera una desafiante agenda para profesionales del SUS. El estudio tuvo por objetivo analizar cómo atienden los profesionales de salud a tales mujeres, problematizando la noción de acogida en salud. Se adoptó una investigación cualitativa y una aproximación etnográfica con profesionales de una unidad básica de salud (UBS) de Matinhos, Paraná, Brasil. La investigación reveló atención centrada en: (1) preceptos biologizantes, centrándose en lesiones físicas y medicalización; (2) diálogo, escucha activa, cuestiones psicosociales y establecimiento de vínculos, destacándose los agentes comunitarios de salud en este enfoque. La escasez de estructura local oficial para el manejo de la violencia doméstica da pie a la actuación inscrita bajo las tesis de la acogida, preconizada por el SUS, descrita por la literatura, verbalizada en la UBS, pero poco problematizada. Con este artículo se buscó, por tanto, contribuir con este debate, no en el establecimiento de prescripciones, sino en la realización de indagaciones y, principalmente, visibilizando y traduciendo voces de quien trabaja desde hace mucho tiempo con ese desafío.

Intimate partner violence, depression, PTSD, and use of mental health resources among ethnically diverse black women.

This study examined exposure to violence and risk for lethality in intimate partner relationships as factors related to co-occurring MH problems and use of mental health (MH) resources among women of African descent. Black women with intimate partner violence (IPV) experiences (n = 431) were recruited from primary care, prenatal or family planning clinics in the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Severity of IPV was significantly associated with co-occurring MH problems, but was not associated with the use of MH resources among African-American women. Risk for lethality and co-occurring problems were also not significantly related to the use of resources. African Caribbean women with severe physical abuse experiences were significantly less likely to use resources. In contrast, severity of physical abuse was positively associated with the use of resources among Black women with mixed ethnicity. Severe IPV experiences are risk factors for co-occurring MH problems, which in turn, increases the need for MH services. However, Black women may not seek help for MH problems. Thus, social work practitioners in health care settings must thoroughly assess women for their IPV experiences and develop tailored treatment plans that address their abuse histories and MH needs.

Birthplace, culture, self-esteem, and intimate partner violence among community-dwelling Hispanic women.

The purpose of this study was to explore variations in demographics, culture, self-esteem, and intimate partner violence among Hispanic women according to birthplace, and to identify factors associated with these differences in intimate partner violence (IPV). Baseline data from a randomized control trial testing the efficacy of an HIV prevention program were used. Path analyses identified differences in IPV between Colombian women and women from other Central/South American countries. Self-esteem was the only factor associated with these differences. Interventions addressing the unique needs of Hispanic women from different subgroups are needed.

Intimate partner violence and HIV risk factors among African-American and African-Caribbean women in clinic-based settings.

Despite progress against intimate partner violence (IPV) and HIV/AIDS in the past two decades, both epidemics remain major public health problems, particularly among women of color. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between recent IPV and HIV risk factors (sexual and drug risk behaviors, sexually transmitted infections [STIs], condom use, and negotiation) among women of African descent. We conducted a comparative case-control study in women's health clinics in Baltimore, MD, USA and St. Thomas and St. Croix, US Virgin Islands (USVI). Women aged 18-55 years who experienced physical and/or sexual IPV in the past two years (Baltimore, n=107; USVI, n=235) were compared to women who never experienced any form of abuse (Baltimore, n=207; USVI, n=119). Logistic regression identified correlates of recent IPV by site. In both sites, having a partner with concurrent sex partners was independently associated with a history of recent IPV (Baltimore, AOR: 3.91, 95% CI: 1.79-8.55 and USVI, AOR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.11-4.56). In Baltimore, factors independently associated with recent IPV were lifetime casual sex partners (AOR: 1.99, 95% CI: 1.11-3.57), exchange sex partners (AOR: 5.26, 95% CI: 1.92-14.42), infrequent condom use during vaginal sex (AOR: 0.24, 95% CI: 0.08-0.72), and infrequent condom use during anal sex (AOR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.09-0.93). In contrast, in the USVI, having a concurrent sex partner (AOR: 3.33, 95% CI: 1.46-7.60), frequent condom use during vaginal sex (AOR: 1.97, 95% CI: 1.06-3.65), frequent condom use during anal sex (AOR: 6.29, 95% CI: 1.57-25.23), drug use (AOR: 3.16, 95% CI: 1.00-10.06), and a past-year STI (AOR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.25-5.72) were associated with recent IPV history. The divergent results by site warrant further investigation into the potential influence of culture, norms, and intentions on the relationships examined. Nonetheless, study findings support a critical need to continue the development and implementation of culturally tailored screening for IPV within HIV prevention and treatment programs.

Mexican immigrant survivors of intimate partner violence: conceptualization and descriptions of abuse.

This phenomenological qualitative study examines intimate partner violence (IPV) experienced by a sample of 29 Mexican immigrant women residing in New York and St. Louis. The findings reveal important insights about culturally specific abuse tactics employed by batterers and the forms of abuse that are experienced as most hurtful to the survivors. Ten different abusive tactics emerged: verbal, economic, physical, sexual, and extended family abuse, social isolation, physical abuse of children, stalking and monitoring, stolen bride, and sex trafficking. Cultural values and expectations appear to be inextricably linked to how the participants characterized the severity of each of the abusive tactics as evidenced by which abusive behaviors the participants found most hurtful. The findings will help service providers have a better understanding of the role cultural context plays in the IPV experiences of Mexican immigrant women.

Disordered eating among African American and African Caribbean women: the influence of intimate partner violence, depression, and PTSD.

We assessed the influence of intimate partner violence (IPV), depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on disordered eating patterns (DE) among women of African descent through a comparative case-control study (N = 790) in Baltimore, MD, and St. Thomas and St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, from 2009-2011. IPV, depression and PTSD were independent risk factors in the full sample. The relationship between IPV and DE was partially mediated by depression. The influence of risk for lethality from violence was fully mediated by depression. IPV should be considered in research and treatment of DE and both IPV and DE should be assessed when the other or depression is detected.

'Expanding your mind': the process of constructing gender-equitable masculinities in young Nicaraguan men participating in reproductive health or gender training programs.

BACKGROUND: Traditional forms of masculinity strongly influence men's and women's wellbeing. OBJECTIVE: This study has two aims: (i) to explore notions of various forms of masculinities in young Nicaraguan men participating in programs addressing sexual health, reproductive health, and/or gender equality and (ii) to find out how these young men perceive their involvement in actions aimed at reducing violence against women (VAW). DESIGN: A qualitative grounded theory study. Data were collected through six focus groups and two in-depth interviews with altogether 62 young men. RESULTS: Our analysis showed that the informants experienced a process of change, labeled 'Expanding your mind', in which we identified four interrelated subcategories: The apprentice, The responsible/respectful man, The proactive peer educator, and 'The feminist man'. The process showed how an increased awareness of gender inequities facilitated the emergence of values (respect and responsibility) and behavior (thoughtful action) that contributed to increase the informant's critical thinking and agency at individual, social, and political levels. The process was influenced by individual and external factors. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple progressive masculinities can emerge from programs challenging patriarchy in this Latin American setting. The masculinities identified in this study show a range of attitudes and behaviors; however, all lean toward more equitable gender relations. The results suggest that learning about sexual and reproductive health does not directly imply developing more gender-equitable attitudes and behaviors or a greater willingness to prevent VAW. It is paramount that interventions to challenge machismo in this setting continue and are expanded to reach more young men.

Condemning violence without rejecting sexism? Exploring how young men understand intimate partner violence in Ecuador.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to explore young men's understanding of intimate partner violence (IPV) in Ecuador, examining similarities and differences between how ordinary and activist young men conceptualize IPV against women. METHODS: We conducted individual interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with 35 young men--five FGDs and five interviews with ordinary young men, and 11 interviews with activists--and analysed the data generated using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Among the ordinary young men the theme 'too much gender equality leads to IPV' emerged, while among the activists the theme 'gender inequality is the root of IPV'. Although both groups in our study rejected IPV, their positions differed, and we claim that this is relevant. While activists considered IPV as rooted in gender inequality, ordinary young men understood it as a response to the conflicts generated by increasing gender equality and women's attempts to gain autonomy.

Beyond borders: comparative quantitative research on partner violence in the United States and Mexico.

We employ two surveys to identify similarities and differences in the risk of abuse among poor urban Mexican-origin women in the United States and Mexico. While the two surveys reveal basic structural similarity in the predictors of partner violence, the rate of violence among Mexican women is far lower than among either foreign-born or native-born Mexican origin women in the United States. While these differences may reflect reality, we argue that survey data must be interpreted cautiously and with an understanding of the cultural, economic, and political context in which the information is collected as well as methodological differences between the surveys.

Interpersonal abuse and depression among mexican immigrant women with type 2 diabetes.

Evidence for a bi-directional relationship of depression and type 2 diabetes suggests that social distress plays a role in depression among people with diabetes. In this study, we examine the relationship between subjective distress and depression in 121 first- and second-generation Mexican immigrant women seeking diabetes care at a safety-net hospital in Chicago. We used a mixed-methods approach including narrative interview, survey, and finger-stick blood HbA1c data. Using grounded theory analysis, we identified seven life stressors from narrative interviews: interpersonal abuse, stress related to health, family, neighborhood violence, immigration status, and work, and feeling socially detached. Women reported unusually high rates of interpersonal abuse (65%) and disaggregated physical abuse (54%) and sexual abuse (23%). We evaluated depression using CES-D cut-off points of 16 and 24 and assessed rates to be 49 and 34%, respectively. We found that interpersonal abuse was a significant predictor of depression (CESD ≥ 24) in bivariate (OR 3.97; 95% CI 1.58-10.0) and multivariate (OR 5.51; 95% CI 1.85, 16.4) logistic regression analyses. These findings suggest that interpersonal abuse functions as an important contributor to depression among low-income Mexican immigrant women and should be recognized and addressed in diabetes care.