Previous violent events and mental health outcomes in Guatemala

V.D. Puac-Polanco, V.A. Lopez-Soto, R. Kohn, D. Xie, T.S. Richmond and C.C. Branas

American Journal of Public Health, 2015, vol. 105, issue 4, 764-771

Abstract: Objectives. We analyzed a probability sample of Guatemalans to determine if a relationship exists between previous violent events and development of mental health outcomes in various sociodemographic groups, as well as during and after the Guatemalan Civil War. Methods. We used regression modeling, an interaction test, and complex survey design adjustments to estimate prevalences and test potential relationships between previous violent events and mental health. Results. Many (20.6%) participants experienced at least 1 previous serious violent event. Witnessing someone severely injured or killed was the most common event. Depression was experienced by 4.2% of participants, with 6.5% experiencing anxiety, 6.4% an alcohol-related disorder, and 1.9% posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Persons who experienced violence during the war had 4.3 times the adjusted odds of alcohol-related disorders (P

Keywords: adolescent; adult; demography; female; Guatemala; human; male; mental health; middle aged; prevalence; sex difference; socioeconomics; statistics and numerical data; violence; warfare; young adult, Adolescent; Adult; Female; Guatemala; Humans; Male; Mental Health; Middle Aged; Prevalence; Residence Characteristics; Sex Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Violence; Warfare; Young Adult (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2015
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2014.302328_0

DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2014.302328

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