The links of stress, substance use and socio-demographic factors with domestic violence during the Covid-19 pandemic in Portugal

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2022

Authors

Perez, YM (Author) Other; Gama, A (Author) Other; Pedro, AR (Author) Other; de Carvalho, MJL (Author) Other; Guerreiro, AE (Author) Other; Duarte, V (Author) Other; Quintas, J (Author) FDUP; Aguiar, P (Author) Other; Keygnaert, I (Author) Other; Dias, S (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Journal of Public Health

Vol. 45

Pages: 491-498

ISSN: 1741-3842

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 2 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00W-DN4

DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdac024

Abstract (EN): Background Lockdown, as a measure implemented to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, left many domestic violence (DV) victims trapped with their abusers. This study intends to explore the links between perceived stress, substance use and socio-demographic factors with DV experiences during COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out on a sample of 1062 participants over 16 years old, residing in Portugal. Data were collected through an online survey conducted between April and October 2020. The associations between potential factors and DV were investigated using bivariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression. Results The prevalence of DV reported was 13.75% (n = 146), disaggregated into psychological violence (13%, n = 138), sexual violence (1.0%, n = 11) and physical violence (0.9%, n = 10). Multivariable analyses confirmed that perceived financial difficulties (OR = 1.608; P = 0.019), use of medications to sleep or calm down (OR = 1.851; P = 0.002) and perceived stress (OR = 2.443; P = 0.003) were responsible for DV exposure during COVID-19 pandemic. Younger age (<25 years old) and consumption of alcohol were associated with a higher risk of DV victimization. Conclusions Interventions aimed at preventing and confronting DV are necessary within the strategies to combat COVID-19 in Portugal, especially aimed at groups in vulnerable situations, during and after the pandemic.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8