[Exposure to violence and mental health problems in low and middle-income countries: a literature review].
OBJECTIVE
To study the epidemiological evidence on the prevalence of exposure to violence and its relationship with mental health problems in low and middle-income countries.


METHODS
The search was based on cross-sectional and cohort studies available in electronic databases (Medline, Psycinfo, Embase, SciELO and Lilacs), through July 2009, using the key words: 'violence' and 'mental disorders'.


RESULTS
The frequency of exposure to violence was shown to be very high and was significantly associated with mental health problems. Among children, the highest correlation was found to be of domestic violence with externalizing problems (OR = 9.5; 95% CI = 3.4-26.2), and suicidal ideation with sexual abuse (OR = 8.3; p < 0.05); among women, depression/anxiety symptoms correlated with intimate-partner psychological (OR = 3.2; 95% CI = 1.8-5.8) and sexual (OR = 9.7; 95% CI = 1.9-51.2) violence. In the general population, the highest prevalence rates of post-traumatic stress disorder were associated with sexual and domestic violence, kidnapping, and cumulative trauma exposure. Violence also correlated with common mental disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
A substantial part of the mental health problems in low and middle-income countries can be attributed to violence. Thus, interventions directed to decrease violence in low and middle-income countries might have a major positive impact on the mental health of those living in these settings.
Ribeiro
Wagner S
WS
Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil. wagner.ribeiro@kcl.ac.uk
Andreoli
Sergio B
SB
Ferri
Cleusa P
CP
Prince
Martin
M
Mari
Jair Jesus
JJ
D017677:Age Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D014754:Violence / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data