Abuse and mental disorders among women at walk-in clinics in Trinidad: A cross-sectional study

• Main Authors: Sanchez Sharlene, Rampaul Teri-Ann, Mohammed Hassina, Edwards Aysha, Bridglal Candace H, Alexander Colanne, Maharaj Rohan G, Tanwing Gina P, Thomas Kristy
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2010-03-01
• Series: BMC Family Practice
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2296/11/26

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>To determine the prevalence of abuse by their partners and its association with mental disorders among female patients at walk-in clinics in Trinidad.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Female participants from 16 randomly selected walk-in clinics, previously stratified to represent all administrative regions and urban and rural settings, who were 18 years or older, were surveyed during May to August 2007 using the WAST-Short and PRIME-MD questionnaires.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>432 women participated (a 92% response rate), Of these 16% were aged 20-29, 11.8% 30-39 and 19% 40-49; 37% were married, 25% single; 44.7% were Indo- and 35% Afro-Trinidadian; 67.8% had achieved education up to age 14 only. 30.3% were employed and 3.0% reported incomes more than $5,001 TTD (Trinidad and Tobago Dollars) per month. Forty percent (173) of all respondents were positive for abuse as scored by the WAST-Short scale. Chi-square analysis suggested associations (<it>p </it>< 0.05) between abuse and age, employment status, being in a current relationship, and having the desire to cut down on alcohol intake. Further there were associations between abuse and the presence of depression, suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress disorder and somatization as determined by the PRIME-MD scale. Logistic regression showed that the statistically significant (<it>p </it>< 0.05) predictors of woman abuse were age less than 49, wanting to cut down on alcohol use and currently being in a relationship.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Among women of primarily lower socioeconomic status who attend walk-in clinics in Trinidad abuse as measured by the WAST-Short scale is high and there are statistically significant associations with mental disorders as determined by the PRIME-MD scale.</p>