Exposure to violence and its impact on anxiety and depression: a cross-sectional study in the province of el Oro, Ecuador
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Violence represents a global problem affecting mental health, including increased symptoms of anxiety and depression. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of exposure to violence on mental health in El Oro, Ecuador, specifically its relationship with the prevalence of anxiety and depression, and to identify its sociodemographic factors, using a cross-sectional correlational design with a sample of 1,043 participants from the Technical University of Machala using validated questionnaires. The results revealed a significant correlation between exposure to violence (p < 0.001), high levels of anxiety (30.2%) and depression (25.1%). Young women from rural areas are more vulnerable, with a 2.5 times higher risk of developing moderate anxiety symptoms compared to economically stable married men (95% CI, p < 0.001), who showed minimal symptoms. The affective and somatic dimensions of anxiety were strongly associated with intrafamilial and community violence; the cognitive dimensions of depression presented weaker correlations. These findings underscore the need to mitigate media exposure to violent content, implement public policies, and design specific interventions considering sociodemographic factors to reduce the adverse effects of violence on mental health.
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