Domestic violence and emotional distress among Nicaraguan women: Results from a population-based study

This study aimed to measure the prevalence of emotional distress among women in Leon Nicaragua and to identify risk factors for emotional distress with special reference to wife abuse. A survey was performed among a representative sample of women aged 15-49. Among ever-married women 20% were classified as experiencing emotional distress at the time of the interview and 52% reported physical partner abuse at some point in their lives. Women reporting abuse were six times more likely to experience emotional distress. An estimated 70% of all cases of emotional distress found among ever-married women were attributable to wife abuse. The study underscores the need to improve screening and care for battered women within mental health services in Nicaragua. (authors)