Depression, suicide attempts, and exposure to physical attacks: a nationwide cross-sectional survey in Mexico

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the relationship between direct exposure to physical attacks and mental health (depression and suicide attempts) in the Mexican adult population. It also examined biological sex as a possible effect modifier. Subject and methods: A representative sample of 13,391 adults from the 2021 National Health and Nutrition Survey of Mexico (ENSANUT) was analyzed. Poisson regressions were used to estimate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios. Results: Victims of physical violence more than doubled the prevalence of depression (adjusted prevalence ratio = 2.59, 95% CI 2.11–3.19) and more than sextupled the prevalence of suicide attempts (adjusted prevalence ratio = 6.67, 95% CI 3.25–13.69) compared to non-victims. Sex was not a significant effect modifier. Conclusion: Direct exposure to physical attacks is associated with a higher prevalence of depression and suicide attempts in the Mexican adult population. The impact of attacks on these mental health outcomes is similar in men and women.