Citation

Wong JY, Tiwari A, Fong DY, Humphreys J, Bullock L. Nurs. Res. 2011; 60(1): 58-65.

Affiliation

School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong; Department of Family Health Care Nursing, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, USA; School of Nursing, University of Virginia, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/NNR.0b013e3182002a7c

PMID

21127447

Abstract

BACKGROUND:: Depression is one of the significant mental health impacts of intimate partner violence. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence on the factors associated with depression among abused Chinese women. OBJECTIVE:: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors associated with a higher level of depression among abused Chinese women. METHODS:: This was a cross-sectional study with participation of 200 abused Chinese women in a local community center in Hong Kong. The measurement tools used are the Chinese Abuse Assessment Screen, the Chinese Beck Depression Inventory Version II, the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale, the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List 12, and the demographic data. Structured multiphase regression analysis was used for data analysis. RESULTS:: Factors significantly associated with a higher level of depression in Chinese abused women were low educational level (estimate = -2.49, p = .038), immigration (estimate = 4.99, p = .025), financial support from friends and relatives (estimate = 4.72, p = .006), and chronic psychological abuse (estimate = 0.09, p < .001). A protective factor against depression is the perception of social support (estimate = -1.11, p < .001). DISCUSSION:: An overwhelming number of abused Chinese women have moderate or severe levels of depression. There is a need for more awareness of the detrimental mental health impact of abuse on women, screening for depression when women are found to be abused, and provision of social support at an earlier stage to minimize depression.

Language: en