[Violence in Mexican women using public health services].

OBJECTIVE

To compare the prevalence of violence and determine its risk factors among women who use Mexican Social Services (IMSS) clinics and do not have access to social security services.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Sociodemographic data linked to domestic violence reported by women attending the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) health services was analyzed. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was performed using STATAV.7.

RESULTS

Psychological violence in IMSS women was 18% followed by physical violence (9.1%), sexual (6.7%) and economic (5%). Prevalence of violence in women with no social security care was psychological (21.4%), physical (10.5%), sexual (7.5%) and economical (5%). Women between 25 and 44 years of age with basic schooling and married and with family background of violence were the most affected. The daily consumption of alcohol by their partners was an important predictor of domestic violence.

CONCLUSION

Violence in women with no social security is higher. Partner's alcohol intake pattern is an important risk factor. Detection of domestic violence in the clinical setting is necessary to recognize its real magnitude as a social problem.