Interpersonal violence is associated with depression and chronic physical health problems in midlife women.
This research describes interpersonal violence (IPV) exposure in a community-based sample of midlife women from three ethnic groups and explores relationships among these exposures and variables associated with health outcomes. IPV, physical health, depression, and social support were measured by self-report questionnaires. More than 33% reported a history of physical abuse or sexual abuse and at least 20% reported both. Approximately 20% experienced sexual harassment in the past year. IPV exposure was associated with more chronic health problems and depressive symptoms. IPV, whenever it occurs, is detrimental to women's health regardless of socioeconomic status or ethnicity.
Humphreys
Janice
J
Department of Family Health Care Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-0606, USA. humphreys@nursing.ucsf.edu
Lee
Kathryn A
KA
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D018585:Battered Women / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D017058:Mexican Americans / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D012044:Regression Analysis; D017406:Sexual Harassment / Q000208:ethnology*; D012944:Social Support; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D044465:White People / Q000208:ethnology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data