Depression, partner violence, and alcohol consumption by women in Mexico

In various studies it was found that depression is a reliable predictor of both the frequency and intensity of alcohol consumption, particularly among women. Depression is related to partner violence and alcohol intake is related to an increase in violence. Both of these are prevalent in Mexico, yet it is not known how this trilogy of factors interrelates in this country. The purpose of this study was to develop a model that could predict the relationship between women's depression, partner violence and the risk that alcohol consumption poses for partners, the presence of alcohol in the act of violence as well as antecedents of violence in the family of origin and socio-demographic variables. Data were drawn from the Third National Addictions Survey on urban population between 18 and 65 years of age. This study included women who reported having a husband or partner at the time of the survey and answered the CES-D Depression Scale and the Couple Violence Scale, and provided data about their alcohol consumption and socio-demographic variables. Interviews were also conduced. The weighted sample size was of 5,788,670 women. Results showed that neither age nor socio-economic level, nor educational levels were predictors of depression. The reliable predictors were a) women's alcohol consumption and problems with their partners, b) antecedents of violence in the family of origin, and c) violence from their partners, either physical or verbal, coupled with the presence of alcohol.