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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

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01-01-2017 | Original Paper

Psychosocial factors associated with mother–child violence: a household survey

Authors: Carla Ferreira de Paula Gebara, Cleusa Pinheiro Ferri, Fernanda Monteiro de Castro Bhona, Marcel de Toledo Vieira, Lelio Moura Lourenço, Ana Regina Noto

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this study was to investigate the psychosocial factors associated with violence by women against their children, using a household survey.

Methods

Households in two neighborhoods in Juiz de Fora, Brazil, with different socioeconomic profiles, were selected through probability sampling and surveyed. A total of 446 women with children up to 18 years of age were interviewed. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the CTSPC (Parent–Child Conflict Tactics Scales), the CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) and the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) were applied. Using STATA statistical software, logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between psychosocial variables and domestic violence against children.

Results

The prevalence of violence by mothers against their children during the 3 months prior to data collection was as follows: psychological aggression, 70.5% (n = 304); corporal punishment, 51.4% (n = 232); and physical maltreatment, 9.8% (n = 46). Women with a higher educational level exhibited lower odds of committing psychological aggression (OR 0.47; CI 0.24–0.91) and corporal punishment (OR 0.32; CI 0.16–0.64). Age was associated with corporal punishment, with older women (OR 0.94; CI 0.91–0.97) reporting a lower frequency of this type of violence against their children. Residing in the neighborhood with higher socioeconomic status reduced the odds of reporting psychological aggression (OR 0.45; CI 0.27–0.75). Maternal depression (OR 3.75; CI 1.51–9.31) and harmful drinking (OR 4.73; CI 1.17–19.10) were risk factors for physical maltreatment.

Conclusions

The results point to the need for preventive strategies for mother–child violence in low and middle income countries, with a focus on the mothers’ education and mental health, especially with regard to the younger ones.

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Title: Psychosocial factors associated with mother–child violence: a household survey
Authors: Carla Ferreira de Paula Gebara
Cleusa Pinheiro Ferri
Fernanda Monteiro de Castro Bhona
Marcel de Toledo Vieira
Lelio Moura Lourenço
Ana Regina Noto
Publication date: 01-01-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 1/2017
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-016-1298-0

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Psychosocial factors associated with mother–child violence: a household survey

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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