A decomposition analysis of variations in youth exposure to home or school-based violence and depressive symptoms in Gauteng Province, South Africa

Sinegugu Shongwe, University of Kwazulu-Natal

Globally, over 300 million people suffer from depression primarily due to exposure to violence. This represents about 3.59% of the population. For many South Africans, violence is a daily reality, affecting homes, schools, and communities. It has become a normalised part of social interactions, reflecting the country’s ongoing inequality and fragility. This study examined the link between youth (18-39 years) exposure to home and school-based violence and depressive symptoms in South Africa. Using Quality of Life 6 (2020/21) Survey data from 5,805 records, we applied logistic regression and non-linear decomposition models to determine the relationship between home or school-based violence and depressive symptoms, with significance set at p<0.05. The likelihood of depressive symptoms increased by 33% (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.20- 1.48; p < 0.001) for those beaten at home compared to 28% (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.15- 1.42; p < 0.001) for those beaten at school. Violence through beating was comparable in both home and school settings, and so was the risk of developing depressive symptoms, thereby underscoring the urgent need for public health interventions integrating mental health services into violence prevention, particularly for youth exposed to violence.

Keywords: Children, Adolescents, and Youth, Decomposition analysis, Comparative methods , Families, Unions and Households

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