Trends of Self-Reported Health Consequences of Violence from 2000 to 2018 and Associated Factors in Mexican Adolescents and Adult Women at the National Level

Abstract

Violence has negative effects on women’s physical, mental, sexual, reproductive, and behavioral health. Globally, 50% to 80% of women who have experienced violence suffer some health consequences. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and trends of self-reported health consequences of violence among Mexican adolescents and women from 2000 to 2018. Data from four nationally representative Mexican surveys (2000, 2006, 2012, and 2018) were analyzed using logistic regression models to assess trends in the health consequences of violence stratified by age, education, place of residence, employment, pregnancy status, and location of violence. We employed a probit regression model to assess sociodemographic determinants that contribute to a higher likelihood of experiencing community violence compared to violence at home. In the 2018 survey, the health consequences of violence were observed in 1.9% of adult women and 2.2% of adolescents. We identified a significant annual increase in the health consequences of violence, especially in 2012 and among adolescents. Similarly, there was an increase in the health consequences among adults due to community violence (8.1% annual increase), and the rise was higher among adolescents (9.4% annual increase). Urban residence, higher education, and economic activity significantly increased the likelihood of community violence exposure in adult women, while higher education was a significant factor among adolescents. This study significantly contributes to filling the knowledge gap regarding the health consequences of violence against women among adolescent and adult women, underscoring the need for early interventions and public policies to reduce exposure and mitigate long-term health effects on Mexican women.