Mental Health Outcomes Associated with Childhood Exposure to Domestic Violence and Abuse in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Rebecca Harris, University of Southampton

Background: Evidence from high-income countries indicate that childhood exposure to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) increases the risk of adverse mental health outcomes later in life. However, evidence from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is sparse, despite high (but outdated) estimates of exposure. Aims: This study aims to address the evidence gap through the research question: how does childhood exposure to DVA relate to mental health outcomes during adolescence and early adulthood within LMICs? Methods: The CDC VACS were used to examine DVA exposure in 10 LMICs across Sub Saharan Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, South-Eastern Asia, and Eastern Europe. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression were used to explore the association between DVA exposure and mental health outcomes, focusing on internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Results: DVA exposure ranged from 11.8% (Honduras) to 30.7% (Malawi), with nearly 20 million children exposed across the 10 LMICs. Bivariate analysis showed higher rates of internalizing and externalizing symptoms amongst those exposed to DVA. Regression analysis indicated greater likelihood of psychological distress and, in most countries, suicidal thoughts, risky behaviours, and violence perpetration among those exposed. Conclusion: There is evidence that childhood exposure to DVA is associated with poorer mental health outcomes in LMICs.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Families, Unions and Households

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