Citation

Almanza-Avendaño AM, Romero-Mendoza MP, Gómez-San Luis AH. Salud Publica Mex. 2018; 60(4): 442-450.

Affiliation

Cátedra Conacyt, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas. Ciudad Victoria, México.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica)

DOI

10.21149/8087

PMID

30137946

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To understand the meanings, feelings and practices associated with insecurity in a context with the presence of organized crime.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in a municipality of Tamaulipas, México, with high levels of violence. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of thirty indirect victims. Interview transcriptions underwent computer-assisted qualitative analysis using the MAXQDA program.

RESULTS: Threatening situations and perceived causes of insecurity in the local context were identified. Various psychosocial consequences of insecurity and coping strategies are also described.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the strategies used attempt to reduce the impact of insecurity on mental health, a transformation of mobility in public space and social relations is observed. Citizens handle insecurity at the individual level, even when it is attributed to structural causes.

Language: en

Keywords

Mexico.; adaptation; crime; crime victims; psychological; psychosocial impact; safety