Violence against women and its association with the intimate partner's profile: a study with primary care users. / Violência contra a mulher e sua associação com o perfil do parceiro íntimo: estudo com usuárias da atenção primária.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the association between the history of violence against women and the socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics of intimate partners. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 938 women using basic health care, aged between 20 and 59 years, who at the time of the interview had an intimate partner. Information about the sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of the intimate partner were collected, as well as the WHO VAW Study instrument for tracking the psychological, physical and sexual violence experienced in the past year. A bivariate analysis was performed using the Pearson c2 test and multivariate analysis using Poisson regression with robust variance. RESULTS: The highest prevalences of psychological, physical and sexual violence were significantly associated with partners who had no occupation and who refused to use condoms in sexual relationships. Men who were considered controllers and who consumed alcoholic beverages were associated with greater perpetration of psychological and physical violence (p < 0.05). Partners with up to eight years of schooling present a higher frequency of psychological violence (PR = 1.32, 95%CI 1.05 - 1.66), while sexual violence was significantly higher among women whose partners smoked: 1.94, 95%CI 1.11 - 3.38). CONCLUSIONS: These data highlight the importance of health professionals, work together in other sectors such as education and safety, dealing with alcohol and other drugs, as well as addressing issues of gender.

OBJETIVO: Verificar associação entre a história de violência contra a mulher e características sociodemográficas e comportamentais do parceiro íntimo. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado com 938 mulheres usuárias da atenção básica de saúde, com idade entre 20 e 59 anos e que no momento da entrevista possuíam parceiro íntimo. Foram coletadas informações sobre as características sociodemográficas e comportamentais, do parceiro íntimo, bem como foi aplicado o instrumento World Health Organization Violence Against Woman (WHO VAW Study) para o rastreamento da violência psicológica, física e sexual vivenciada no último ano. Foi realizada análise bivariada, por meio do teste do c2 de Pearson, e multivariada usando regressão de Poisson com variância robusta. RESULTADOS: As maiores prevalências de violência psicológica, física e sexual estiveram significativamente associadas aos parceiros que não possuíam ocupação e que recusaram o uso do preservativo nas relações sexuais. Homens que foram considerados controladores e que ingeriam bebida alcoólica estiveram associados a maior perpetração de violência psicológica e física (p < 0,05). Parceiros com até 8 anos de escolaridade apresentam maior frequência de prática de violência psicológica (RP = 1,32; IC95% 1,05 - 1,66), enquanto a violência sexual foi significativamente maior entre as mulheres cujos parceiros fumavam (RP = 1,94; IC95% 1,11 - 3,38). CONCLUSÕES: Esses dados evidenciam a importância de os profissionais de saúde atuarem juntamente a outros setores, tais como educação e segurança, no enfrentamento ao álcool e outras drogas, bem como na abordagem das questões de gênero.

[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.

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.

Factors associated to the imposition of types of violence against women informed in sentry services.

OBJECTIVE: to identify the prevalence and the factors associated to the imposition of the different types of violence against women informed in sentry services. METHOD: transversal study accomplished through 939 notification forms of cases of violence against women, referring to the three years from 2006 to 2008 in Fortaleza, Ceará. Univariate and multiple analyses by logistic regression were realized. RESULT: the results showed a positive association between the imposition of types of violence against women with a schooling varying from illiterate to basic education and the aggression which had occurred other times. CONCLUSION: this knowledge contributes to the delineation of specific actions that aim at facing this problem, as well as generates subsidies for adequate attendance proposals and guidance for the victims who call on health services.

Factors associated to the imposition of types of violence against women informed in sentry services / Factores asociados a la sobreposicion de tipos de violencia contra la mujer notificada en servicios centinela

OBJECTIVE: to identify the prevalence and the factors associated to the imposition of the different types of violence against women informed in sentry services. METHOD: transversal study accomplished through 939 notification forms of cases of violence against women, referring to the three years from 2006 to 2008 in Fortaleza, Ceará. Univariate and multiple analyses by logistic regression were realized. RESULT: the results showed a positive association between the imposition of types of violence against women with a schooling varying from illiterate to basic education and the aggression which had occurred other times. CONCLUSION: this knowledge contributes to the delineation of specific actions that aim at facing this problem, as well as generates subsidies for adequate attendance proposals and guidance for the victims who call on health services. .

OBJETIVO: identificar la prevalencia y los factores asociados a la sobreposición de los diferentes tipos de violencia contra la mujer notificados en servicios centinela. MÉTODO: estudio transversal realizado con 939 fichas de notificación de casos de violencia contra la mujer, referentes al trienio de 2006 a 2008, en Fortaleza, Ceará. Fueron realizados el análisis univariado y el múltiple por regresión logística. RESULTADOS: los resultados mostraron asociación positiva entre la sobreposición de tipos de violencia contra la mujer, con la escolaridad variando de analfabeta a enseñanza fundamental y la agresión haber ocurrido otras veces. CONCLUSIÓN: este conocimiento contribuye para el delineamiento de acciones específicas que tengan por objetivo enfrentar esta problemática, así como generar subsidios para elaborar una propuesta adecuada de atención y encaminamiento de las víctimas que buscan los servicios de salud. .

Violencia de pareja en mujeres de la comunidad, tipos y severidad Cali, Colombia / Types and severity of partner violence against women living in the community in Cali, Colombia

Objetivo: Identificar características socio-demográficas, tipos y severidad de vio-lencia de pareja en mujeres de la comunidad. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo transversal en 150 mujeres expuestas a violencia. Se uso la Escala de Severidad de Violencia contra la Mujer, coeficiente Alfa de 0.89, se diseño un cuestionario para explorar variables socio-demográficas: edad, sexo, estrato socio-económico, nivel de estudios, estado civil, ocupación. Resultados: Edad promedio 37 años, mestizas 74 %, estrato socioeconómico 2 y 3 en el 68 %. El 43 % tenía unión libre, experimentó violencia por personas diferentes al compañero sentimental el 31 %. Experimentó amenazas el 96.3 %, violencia física 88 % y sexual 53 %. Todos los tipos se correlacionaron entre sí, r de 0,42 a 0,84 (p < 0,01). El estrato socioeconómico correlacionó negativa y significativamente con amenaza de violencia (p< 0,01) y positivamente con violencia física (p< 0,01). Otros aspectos socio-demográficos no correlacionaron. Conclusión: Los factores psicosociales aparecen con gran implicación en el fenómeno. Valorar e intervenir formas de violencia diferentes a la física implica proteger, reducir daño y sufrimiento a la mujer, vital enfatizar intervenciones para la prevención de diferentes tipos de violencia según el nivel socioeconómico y acompañar a la mujer y al agresor en el reconocimiento de la violencia y búsqueda de ayuda.

Objective: Identifying the incidence and severity of types of intimate partner vio-lence against women exposed to this in their communities and the pertinent socio-demographic characteristics. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of 150 women suffering intimate partner violence. The Severity of Violence Against Women Scale was used to explore demographic variables, e.g. age, sex, socioeconomic status, educatio-nal level, marital status and occupation. Results: Mean age was 37 years, 74 % were mestizos, 68 % were living in so-cioeconomic groups 2 and 3, 43 % were living with a permanent partner and 31 % had experienced violence by other people than their intimate partner. There was high exposure (96.3 %) to more than one type of violence; 88% had suffered physical and 53 % sexual threats. All types were correlated with each other (r ranged from 0.42 to 0.84 (p <0.01)). Socioeconomic status had a significant negative correlation with threats of violence (p><0.01) and positive correlation with physical violence (p><0.01); other socio-demographic variables did not correlate. Conclusion: Psychosocial factors are heavily involved in the phenomenon. Scree-ning and intervening in forms of violence other than physical ones means pro-tecting women and reducing the harm being done to them and alleviating their suffering. It is vital that interventions should be undertaken for preventing different types of violence according to socioeconomic group and accompany women and their assailants in recognising such violence and seeking help.

[Types and severity of partner violence against women living in the community in Cali, Colombia]. / Violencia de pareja en mujeres de la comunidad, tipos y severidad Cali, Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: Identifying the incidence and severity of types of intimate partner violence against women exposed to this in their communities and the pertinent socio-demographic characteristics. METHODOLOGY: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of 150 women suffering intimate partner violence. The Severity of Violence Against Women Scale was used to explore demographic variables, e.g. age, sex, socioeconomic status, educational level, marital status and occupation. RESULTS: Mean age was 37 years, 74 % were mestizos, 68 % were living in socioeconomic groups 2 and 3, 43 % were living with a permanent partner and 31 % had experienced violence by other people than their intimate partner. There was high exposure (96.3 %) to more than one type of violence; 88% had suffered physical and 53 % sexual threats. All types were correlated with each other (r ranged from 0.42 to 0.84 (p <0.01)). Socioeconomic status had a significant negative correlation with threats of violence (p><0.01) and positive correlation with physical violence (p><0.01); other socio-demographic variables did not correlate. CONCLUSION: Psychosocial factors are heavily involved in the phenomenon. Screening and intervening in forms of violence other than physical ones means protecting women and reducing the harm being done to them and alleviating their suffering. It is vital that interventions should be undertaken for preventing different types of violence according to socioeconomic group and accompany women and their assailants in recognising such violence and seeking help.

Validity of the WHO VAW study instrument for estimating gender-based violence against women.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the instrument of the World Health Organization Violence Against Women (WHO VAW) study on psychological, physical and sexual violence against women perpetrated by intimate partners. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in several countries between 2000 and 2003, including Brazil. Representative random samples of women aged 15-49 years with intimate partners were selected, living in the city of São Paulo (n = 940) and in the Zona da Mata, Pernambuco (n = 1,188), southeastern and northeastern regions, respectively. Exploratory factor analysis on questions relating to violence was performed (four psychological, six physical and three sexual questions), with varimax rotation and creation of three factors. Cronbach's alpha was calculated to analyze the internal consistency. To validate through extreme groups, mean scores (0 to 13 points) for violence were tested in relation to the following outcomes: self-rated health, daily activities, presence of discomfort or pain, suicidal ideation or attempts, heavy alcohol consumption and presence of common mental disorders. RESULTS: Three factors were defined, with similar accumulated variance (0.6092 in São Paulo and 0.6350 in the Zona da Mata). For São Paulo, the first factor was determined by physical violence, the second by sexual violence and the third by psychological violence. For the Zona da Mata, the first factor was formed by psychological violence, the second by physical violence and the third by sexual violence. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were 0.88 in São Paulo and 0.89 in the Zona da Mata. The mean scores for violence were significantly higher for less favorable outcomes, with the exception of suicide attempts in São Paulo. CONCLUSIONS: The instrument was shown to be adequate for estimating gender-based violence against women perpetrated by intimate partners and can be used in studies on this subject. It has high internal consistency and a capacity to discriminate between different forms of violence (psychological, physical and sexual) perpetrated in different social contexts. The instrument also characterizes the female victim and her relationship with the aggressor, thereby facilitating gender analysis.

Validade do instrumento WHO VAW STUDY para estimar violência de gênero contra a mulher / Validez de instrumento para estimar violencia de género contra la mujer / Validity of the WHO VAW study instrument for estimating gender-based violence against women

OBJETIVO: Validar o instrumento do estudo World Health Organization Violence Against Women (WHO VAW) sobre violência psicológica, física e sexual por parceiros íntimos contra mulheres. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado em vários países entre 2000 e 2003, inclusive Brasil. Selecionaram-se amostras aleatórias e representativas de mulheres de 15-49 anos com parceiros íntimos, residentes na cidade de São Paulo, SP, (n = 940) e na Zona da Mata de Pernambuco (n = 1.188). Realizou-se análise fatorial exploratória das perguntas sobre violências (quatro psicológicas, seis físicas e três sexuais), com rotação varimax e criação de três fatores. Calculou-se alfa de Cronbach para análise da consistência interna. Para a validação por grupos extremos, médias de escores (zero a 13 pontos) de violência foram testadas em relação aos desfechos: auto-avaliação de saúde, atividades diárias, presença de dor ou desconforto, ideação e tentativa de suicídio, grande consumo de álcool e presença de transtorno mental comum. RESULTADOS: Foram definidos três fatores com variância acumulada semelhante (0,6092 em São Paulo e 0,6350 na Zona da Mata)...

OBJECTIVE: To validate the instrument of the World Health Organization Violence Against Women (WHO VAW) study on psychological, physical and sexual violence against women perpetrated by intimate partners. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in several countries between 2000 and 2003, including Brazil. Representative random samples of women aged 15-49 years with intimate partners were selected, living in the city of São Paulo (n = 940) and in the Zona da Mata, Pernambuco (n = 1,188), southeastern and northeastern regions, respectively. Exploratory factor analysis on questions relating to violence was performed (four psychological, six physical and three sexual questions), with varimax rotation and creation of three factors. Cronbach's alpha was calculated to analyze the internal consistency. To validate through extreme groups, mean scores (0 to 13 points) for violence were tested in relation to the following outcomes: self-rated health, daily activities, presence of discomfort or pain, suicidal ideation or attempts, heavy alcohol consumption and presence of common mental disorders. RESULTS: Three factors were defined, with similar accumulated variance (0.6092 in São Paulo and 0.6350 in the Zona da Mata)...

OBJETIVO: Validar preguntas sobre violencia psicológica, física y sexual por parejas íntimas contra mujeres. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal, coordinado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, realizado en varios países (2000-2003), inclusive Brasil. Se seleccionaron muestras aleatorias y representativas de mujeres de 15-49 años con parejas íntimas, residentes, en la ciudad de Sao Paulo (en Sureste de Brasil, n=940) y en la Zona de Mata de Pernambuco (en Noreste de Brasil, n=1188). Se realizó análisis factorial exploratorio de las preguntas sobre violencias (cuatro psicológicas, seis físicas y tres sexuales), con rotación varimax y elaboración de tres factores. Se calculó alfa de Cronbach para análisis de la consistencia interna. Para la validación por grupos extremos, promedios de escores (cero a 13 puntos) de violencia fueron evaluadas con relación a los resultados: auto-evaluación de salud, actividades diarias, presencia de dolor o incomodidad, concepción de idea e intento de suicidio, grande consumo de alcohol y presencia de trastorno mental común. RESULTADOS: Fueron definidos tres factores con varianza acumulada semejante (0,6092 en Sao Paulo y 0,6350 en la Zona de Mata)...

Intimate partner violence against women in an economically vulnerable urban area, Central-West Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of gender-based controlling behavior and types of violence committed by intimate partners against women living in an economically vulnerable area. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 278 women aged between 15 and 49 years, who had had at least one male intimate partner in their lives and lived in a metropolitan area of the city of Brasília, Central-West Brazil, in 2007. Systematic random sampling process was used. The research instrument consisted of a questionnaire with 58 questions, developed by the World Health Organization. Prevalences of physical, psychological and sexual violence were analyzed. Independent variables considered were women's sociodemographic, family and community context characteristics, in addition to their partners' sociodemographic and behavior characteristics (frequency of alcohol or illicit drug use and extra-marital relationship). RESULTS: The highest prevalence was that of psychological violence: 80.2% (n=223) of the women interviewed reported at least one act throughout their lives and 50% (n=139) in the last 12 months. Prevalence of physical violence was 58.6% throughout life and 32% in the last 12 months, whereas those of sexual violence were 28.8% and 15.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalences of violence show the magnitude of vulnerability and aggressions committed against women in relationships with intimate partners.

Violências contra mulheres por parceiro íntimo em área urbana economicamente vulnerável, Brasília, DF / Intimate partner violence against women in an economically vulnerable urban area, Central-West Brazil

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de tipos de violência e de comportamentos de controle praticados por parceiros íntimos contra mulheres residentes em área economicamente vulnerável. MÉTODOS: Conduziu-se estudo transversal com 278 mulheres de 15 a 49 anos que tiveram parceiros íntimos alguma vez na vida, residentes em uma área metropolitana de Brasília, DF, em 2007. Utilizou-se processo de amostragem aleatória sistemática. O instrumento de pesquisa constou de um questionário com 58 perguntas desenvolvido pela Organização Mundial de Saúde. Foram analisadas as prevalências de violência física, psicológica e sexual. As variáveis independentes consideradas foram características sociodemográficas da mulher, de contexto familiar e comunitário bem como as sociodemográficas do parceiro, de comportamento (freqüência do uso de bebidas ou drogas ilícitas e relacionamento extraconjugal). RESULTADOS: A prevalência de violência psicológica foi a mais alta: 80,2 por cento (n=223) das mulheres entrevistadas relataram pelo menos um ato no decorrer da vida e 50 por cento (n=139) nos últimos 12 meses. A prevalência de violência física ao longo da vida foi (58,6 por cento) e nos últimos 12 meses (32 por cento), enquanto a prevalência de mulheres que sofreram violência sexual foi de 28,8 por cento e 15,5 por cento, respectivamente. CONCLUSÕES: As altas prevalências das violências mostram a magnitude da vulnerabilidade e das agressões praticadas contra mulheres nas relações com parceiros íntimos.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of gender-based controlling behavior and types of violence committed by intimate partners against women living in an economically vulnerable area. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed with 278 women aged between 15 and 49 years, who had had at least one male intimate partner in their lives and lived in a metropolitan area of the city of Brasília, Central-West Brazil, in 2007. Systematic random sampling process was used. The research instrument consisted of a questionnaire with 58 questions, developed by the World Health Organization. Prevalences of physical, psychological and sexual violence were analyzed. Independent variables considered were women's sociodemographic, family and community context characteristics, in addition to their partners' sociodemographic and behavior characteristics (frequency of alcohol or illicit drug use and extra-marital relationship). RESULTS: The highest prevalence was that of psychological violence: 80.2 percent (n=223) of the women interviewed reported at least one act throughout their lives and 50 percent (n=139) in the last 12 months. Prevalence of physical violence was 58.6 percent throughout life and 32 percent in the last 12 months, whereas those of sexual violence were 28.8 percent and 15.5 percent, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: High prevalences of violence show the magnitude of vulnerability and aggressions committed against women in relationships with intimate partners.

[Prevalence of intimate partner violence and associated factors: a population-based study in Lages, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, 2007]. / Prevalência e fatores associados à violência entre parceiros íntimos: um estudo de base populacional em Lages, Santa Catarina, Brasil, 2007.

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of intimate partner violence and associated factors in Lages, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. A population-based household study included 20-59-year-old women (n = 1,042) living in the urban area. The Conflict Tactics Scales - Form R was used to investigate verbal aggression, minor physical violence, and severe physical violence. A questionnaire covering socioeconomic and demographic variables was applied. Pearson qui-square and linear trend test were used to test associations. Prevalence rates for verbal aggression and minor and severe physical abuse within couples were 79.0%, 14.9%, and 9.3%, respectively. Couples under 30 years of age, with per capita income less than half the minimum wage (approximately U$90/month), and in households with more than two family members per bedroom were more likely to report all types of violence as compared to older couples, those with better incomes, and those living with less crowding, respectively. Preventive programs and qualitative studies could be effective strategies to shed further light on intimate partner violence.

Prevalência e fatores associados à violência entre parceiros íntimos: um estudo de base populacional em Lages, Santa Catarina, Brasil, 2007 / Prevalence of intimate partner violence and associated factors: a population-based study in Lages, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, 2007

Estimou-se a prevalência da violência entre parceiros íntimos e os fatores associados em Lages, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Realizou-se um estudo transversal de base populacional domiciliar com mulheres de 20-59 anos (n = 1.042), da zona urbana. As prevalências de agressão verbal, violência física menor e violência física grave foram estimadas pelo questionário Conflict Tactics Scales - Form R. Questões sobre aspectos sócio-econômicos e demográficos foram investigadas. As associações foram testadas pelo teste do qui-quadrado de Pearson e o de tendência linear. A prevalência de violência entre casais para agressão verbal, agressão física menor e agressão física grave foram de 79 por cento, 14,9 por cento e 9,3 por cento, respectivamente. Casais com menos de trinta anos, com renda per capita inferior a meio salário mínimo mensal e vivendo em locais com mais de dois indivíduos por cômodo dormitório apresentaram maiores prevalências das violências mensuradas quando comparados com casais mais velhos, com maior rendimento e menor aglomeração, respectivamente. Programas preventivos, além de estudos qualitativos, podem ser estratégias efetivas para melhor compreender a violência entre parceiros íntimos.

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of intimate partner violence and associated factors in Lages, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. A population-based household study included 20-59-year-old women (n = 1,042) living in the urban area. The Conflict Tactics Scales - Form R was used to investigate verbal aggression, minor physical violence, and severe physical violence. A questionnaire covering socioeconomic and demographic variables was applied. Pearson qui-square and linear trend test were used to test associations. Prevalence rates for verbal aggression and minor and severe physical abuse within couples were 79.0 percent, 14.9 percent, and 9.3 percent, respectively. Couples under 30 years of age, with per capita income less than half the minimum wage (approximately U$90/month), and in households with more than two family members per bedroom were more likely to report all types of violence as compared to older couples, those with better incomes, and those living with less crowding, respectively. Preventive programs and qualitative studies could be effective strategies to shed further light on intimate partner violence.

[Gender violence prevalence in female users of health services in Mexico]. / Prevalencia de diferentes tipos de violencia en usuarias del sector salud en México.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of violence against females among those who are health service beneficiaries in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The National Survey on Violence against Women (ENVIM, per its Spanish abbreviation) was applied in 2003 to female users of public primary and secondary health care services. The sampling framework was based on a stratified, probabilistic sample in two stages. First the health care units were selected with probability proportional to the number of physicians' offices in the unit, from a list of possible care units. Second, women 15 years and older who sought care at the health care unit were selected for participation in the study through systematic sampling. Univariate analysis and then bivariate analysis were carried out on the data collected with a questionnaire. RESULTS: The sample included 26 042 women between 15 and 92 years of age, with a mean age of 35.8 years. Physical violence during childhood was reported by 42% of the women. Only 7.8% answered yes to a general question about whether they experienced domestic partner violence, but 21.5% reported experiencing violence of any type during the last 12 months as measured by a scale including specific acts of psychological, economic, physical and sexual violence. The most frequently reported type of violence was psychological (19.6%). Of the women who had been pregnant, 14.1% reported having experienced violence during pregnancy, and 4.4% reported being hit in the abdomen. The prevalence of sexual violence was 17.3% and close to half reported being victims of this type of violence before age 15. Higher prevalence of violence was found among women with lower levels of formal education, living in a rented home, in areas with higher overcrowding indices, and users of Ministry of Health care services. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying and measuring violence is complex, given the diverse types of violence and how they are perceived and therefore reported by women themselves. This is an important public health problem, in view of the high frequency observed in this study and the immediate implications. These findings indicate the urgent need for interventions to prevent and treat violence.

Prevalencia de diferentes tipos de violencia en usuarias del sector salud en México / Gender violence prevalence in female users of health services in Mexico

OBJETIVO: Identificar la prevalencia de la violencia contra las mujeres en usuarias del sector salud en México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: En 2003 se levantó la Encuesta Nacional sobre Violencia contra las Mujeres 2003 (ENVIM 2003) en usuarias de los servicios médicos de primer y segundo nivel. El esquema de muestreo se basó en una muestra probabilística estratificada en dos etapas: a) de un listado de unidades médicas elegibles, se seleccionaron aquellas con probabilidad proporcional al número de consultorios de la unidad; b) mediante muestreo sistemático se seleccionó a mujeres de 15 años y más que acudieron a la unidad médica. Se realizó un análisis univariado y posteriormente uno bivariado. RESULTADOS: Participaron 26 042 mujeres de 15 a 92 años de edad. La media de edad fue de 35.8 años. La violencia física durante la niñez, notificada, fue de 42.2 por ciento. Sólo 7.8 por ciento de las mujeres respondieron afirmativamente a la pregunta general de violencia de pareja. Sin embargo, al aplicar la escala de violencia, la prevalencia de cualquier tipo de violencia en los últimos 12 meses fue de 21.5 por ciento. El tipo de violencia más frecuente fue la psicológica (19.6 por ciento). De las mujeres que tuvieron antecedente de embarazo, 14.1 por ciento señalaron violencia y 4.4 por ciento refirieron haber sido golpeadas en el abdomen. La prevalencia de violencia sexual fue de 17.3 por ciento y cerca de la mitad de este porcentaje la padecieron antes de los 15 años de edad. La violencia se presenta en mayor prevalencia en las usuarias de la SSA, entre las de menor escolaridad, entre aquellas que no viven en casa propia y entre las que viven en mayor hacinamiento. CONCLUSIONES: La identificación y la medición de la violencia constituyen un fenómeno complejo en consideración a los diversos tipos de violencia que existen y a la manera en que las mujeres mismas la perciben y la notifican. La violencia es un problema importante de salud, tanto por la alta prevalencia como por sus consecuencias inmediatas y acumulativas sobre la salud. Los resultados indican la necesidad urgente de prevenir y atender este problema.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence of violence against females among those who are health service beneficiaries in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The National Survey on Violence against Women (ENVIM, per its Spanish abbreviation) was applied in 2003 to female users of public primary and secondary health care services. The sampling framework was based on a stratified, probabilistic sample in two stages. First the health care units were selected with probability proportional to the number of physicians' offices in the unit, from a list of possible care units. Second, women 15 years and older who sought care at the health care unit were selected for participation in the study through systematic sampling. Univariate analysis and then bivariate analysis were carried out on the data collected with a questionnaire. RESULTS: The sample included 26 042 women between 15 and 92 years of age, with a mean age of 35.8 years. Physical violence during childhood was reported by 42 percent of the women. Only 7.8 percent answered yes to a general question about whether they experienced domestic partner violence, but 21.5 percent reported experiencing violence of any type during the last 12 months as measured by a scale including specific acts of psychological, economic, physical and sexual violence. The most frequently reported type of violence was psychological (19.6 percent). Of the women who had been pregnant, 14.1 percent reported having experienced violence during pregnancy, and 4.4 percent reported being hit in the abdomen. The prevalence of sexual violence was 17.3 percent and close to half reported being victims of this type of violence before age 15. Higher prevalence of violence was found among women with lower levels of formal education, living in a rented home, in areas with higher overcrowding indices, and users of Ministry of Health care services. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying and measuring violence is complex, given the diverse types of violence and how they are perceived and therefore reported by women themselves. This is an important public health problem, in view of the high frequency observed in this study and the immediate implications. These findings indicate the urgent need for interventions to prevent and treat violence.

[Profile of gender violence by intimate partners]. / Perfil da violência de gênero perpetrada por companheiro.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and profile of gender violence (physical, psychological, and sexual) perpetrated against women by current or former intimate partners. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study carried out at a primary healthcare unit in the city of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. Our sample comprised 251 women aged 18-49 years who attended the healthcare unit between October and November 2003. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire and double-entered into a electronic spreadsheet. We carried out univariate and bivariate analyses and the chi-square test. RESULTS: The prevalence of the three types of violence were: psychological (55%, 95% CI: 49-61), physical (38%; 95% CI: 32-44), and sexual (8%; 95% CI: 5-11). Variables significantly associated with the three types of violence included woman's age (psychological: p=0.004), woman's schooling (psychological and physical; p=0.012 and 0.023, respectively), partner's schooling (p=0.004, 0.000), social class (p=0.006, 0.000), years with partner (p=0.006, 0.005), partner's occupation (p=0.015, 0.001), number of pregnancies (p=0.018, 0.037), and prevalence of minor psychiatric disorders (p=0.000, 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The present study found high prevalences of gender violence perpetrated by intimate partners among the users of a primary healthcare unit. Such units play an important role in preventing violence against women.

Violence against women in Mexico: a study of abuse before and during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: We identified the prevalence and types of violence experienced by pregnant women, the ways victimization changed during pregnancy from the year prior to pregnancy, and factors associated with violence during pregnancy. METHODS: We interviewed 914 pregnant women treated in health clinics in Mexico about violence during and prior to pregnancy, violence during childhood and against their own children, and other socioeconomic indicators. RESULTS: Approximately one quarter of the women experienced violence during pregnancy. The severity of emotional violence increased during pregnancy, whereas physical and sexual violence decreased. The strongest predictors of abuse were violence prior to pregnancy, low socioeconomic status, parental violence witnessed by women in childhood, and violence in the abusive partner's childhood. The probability of violence during pregnancy for women experiencing all of these factors was 61%. CONCLUSIONS: Violence is common among pregnant women, but pregnancy does not appear to be an initiating factor. Intergenerational violence is highly predictive of violence during pregnancy.

Severity of intimate partner abuse indicators as perceived by women in Mexico and the United States.

OBJECTIVE: Women in Cuernavaca, Mexico and Los Angeles, California were surveyed to examine differences in their perceptions of the severity of domestic violence indicators. METHODS: One hundred twenty women in each country rated the severity of 26 domestic violence indicators which were part of an abuse screen used for an ongoing study of the prevalence of abuse. Rasch analysis was conducted to determine the linear relationship in the perceptions of the severity of each event between the two countries. RESULTS: The Rasch calibrated logit values show that women in the US rated 24 of the 26 events as more severe than women in Mexico. However, items were ranked in similar order and a clear linear pattern was established. In both countries, being shot with a gun was the most severe event and a partner becoming jealous was the least severe. CONCLUSION: The country of origin did not dictate which events were most severe but did influence how severe these events were perceived.

Violencia conyugal: una aproximación hacia una concepción popular / Conjugal violence: an approach toward a popular conception

Se investigó la concepción de violencia conyugal en las mujeres adheridas al Programa de "Planificación Familiar", del consultorio "Los Cstaños", perteneciente al S.M.S.S.O., durante los días 2 al 14 de enero de 1992. Se realizó un estudio de tipo descriptivo exploratorio. En el Programa de "Planificación Familiar", estan bajo control 2.800 mujeres. De este se extrajo una muestra seleccionada en forma intencionada, de 100 mujeres. En nuestra muestra en estudio, el 54% se encontraba dentro del rango de edad de 21 a 30 años, con un 43% de mujeres casadas. Se encontró un 1% de consumo de alcohol en las mujeres; y un 20% - 4% de consumo de alcohol y drogas, respectivamente en su pareja. Un 59% de las mujeres de la muestra tenia al momento del estudio menos de 3 años de vida en común con su pareja. En cuanto a los episodios de violencia conyugal, sólo un 29% de la mujeres reconoce haber experimentado algún tipo de violencia. Mientras que un 93% , realmente la recibe. Encontrándose un 92% de agresión psicológica, un 60% de agresión sexual y un 57% de agresión física. Siendo el grupo etario entre los 21 a 30 años en el cual se observó el mayor porcentaje de agresión. El propósito de este estudio fue determinar la concepción de violencia conyugal que tienen las mujeres. De los datos obtenidos de esta muestra podemos concluír que la mujer reconoce la violencia conyugal en una menor frecuencia de la que realmente recibe