Depression among women experiencing intimate partner violence in a Chinese community.

BACKGROUND: Depression is one of the significant mental health impacts of intimate partner violence. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence on the factors associated with depression among abused Chinese women.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors associated with a higher level of depression among abused Chinese women.

METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with participation of 200 abused Chinese women in a local community center in Hong Kong. The measurement tools used are the Chinese Abuse Assessment Screen, the Chinese Beck Depression Inventory Version II, the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale, the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List 12, and the demographic data. Structured multiphase regression analysis was used for data analysis.

RESULTS: Factors significantly associated with a higher level of depression in Chinese abused women were low educational level (estimate = -2.49, p = .038), immigration (estimate = 4.99, p = .025), financial support from friends and relatives (estimate = 4.72, p = .006), and chronic psychological abuse (estimate = 0.09, p < .001). A protective factor against depression is the perception of social support (estimate = -1.11, p < .001).

DISCUSSION: An overwhelming number of abused Chinese women have moderate or severe levels of depression. There is a need for more awareness of the detrimental mental health impact of abuse on women, screening for depression when women are found to be abused, and provision of social support at an earlier stage to minimize depression.