Factors Associated with Interpersonal Violence and Depression Symptoms in Adolescent Students from Jalisco during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction. Violence is a major public health problem, which increased during the Covid-19 pandemic, affecting the physical and mental development of adolescents. Objective. To analyze factors associated with interpersonal violence and depressive symptoms in adolescent students in the south of Jalisco. Methods. Data were drawn from an online survey of 3,046 adolescents (ages 12-19) conducted between September and December 2021. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to assess depression symptoms. Self-reports of neglect, physical, psychological, sexual, and digital violence in the previous 12 months were analyzed. Bi-variate and multivariate logistic regression models explored factors associated with depression and violence. Results. A total of 28.8% of the sample reported depression symptoms, 46.9% physical violence, 42.7% psychological violence, 34.9% neglect, 12.3% digital violence, and 5.2% sexual violence. The odds of depression were higher for those who had experienced physical violence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.3 CI 95% [1.1-1.6]), psychological violence (aOR = 4.1 CI 95% [3.4-5.1]), digital violence (aOR = 2.0 CI 95% [1.5-2.5]); and neglect (aOR = 1.6 CI 95% [1.3-1.9]). Girls and adolescents aged 15–19 had higher odds of experiencing sexual, digital, and psychological violence. Poor school performance was associated with lower odds of reporting neglect (aOR = .6 CI 95% [.5-.8]) and sexual violence (aOR = .5 CI 95% [.3-.8]), while being employed was associated with reporting higher odds of physical violence (aOR = 1.5 CI 95% [1.3-1.8]) and neglect (aOR = 1.3 CI 95% [1.1-1.5]). Greater use of social media and videogames was associated with higher odds of physical, psychological, and digital violence. Conclusion. It is necessary to implement comprehensive public programs and policies to address violence and implement intersectoral social intervention strategies in mental health.