Affiliation:
1. Princess Nora Bent Abdullah Chair for Women’s Health Research, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
2. Department of Family & Community Medicine, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
3. Community and Mental Health Department, College of Nursing, King Saud University Medical city, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
4. King Abdullah Specialized Children’s Hospital, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to measure the prevalence of mental distress and to explore the relationship between violence against women (VAW), social support, self-esteem, and mental distress in women in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A questionnaire-guided, cross-sectional, interview-based study was conducted with 1,932 women, in primary healthcare centers. Around 29% reported moderate to severe distress levels, whereas 40% of women reported lifetime exposure to at least one type of violence. Linear regression analysis found that VAW was positively associated with mental distress with a unit increase associated with a 0.13 (0.58, 1.15) increase in distress level, whereas, for both social support and self-esteem, a unit increase in violence was associated with −0.23 (−0.47, −0.32) and −0.22 (−0.49, −0.33) unit decrease in the mental distress. Structural equation modeling found that violence had direct significant negative effects on social support (β = −.156, p < .001) and self-esteem (β = −.135, p < .001). Both social support (β = −.266, p < .001) and self-esteem (β = −.183, p < .001) had direct significant negative effects on distress. VAW exerted a direct significant positive effect on distress (β = .171, p < .001) as well as an indirect effect (β = .068, p < .001). Both social support (β = .044, p < .001) and self-esteem (β = .025, p < .001) were significant mediators of the effect of violence on mental distress. VAW can lead to mental distress and low self-esteem. Identification, counseling, and social support for women are important to improve their self-confidence and reduce the adverse effects of violence.
Funder
deanship of scientific research, king saud university
Subject
Applied Psychology,Clinical Psychology