Intimate Partner Violence Trends and Associated Factors: Results from a National Representative Survey from Mexico

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is one of the most common forms of domestic violence. Research on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) prevalence using national samples is scarce. This study aims to estimate trends of IPV prevalence by sex and to identify the correlates of IPV among the Mexican population. Methods: We used data from Mexico's 2011 and 2016 National Survey of Addictions (NSA). The analytic sample consists of 44,963 individuals aged 14 to 65 years old. Poisson regression models regressed IPV on substance use behaviors (alcohol and drug use) and sociodemographic factors. Results: Overall, IPV prevalence did not change in the study period (From 15.6% in 2011 to 14.9% in 2016). The associated factors to IPV were having a partner who uses alcohol (APR) =1.68, 95%CI 1.54-1.84), having a partner who uses drugs (APR=2.80, 95%CI 2.46 -3.18). Living in an urban (APR=1.18, 95% CI 1.05-1.33) or metropolitan area (APR=1.16, 95% CI 1.04-1.28) was associated with a higher prevalence of IPV. Single marital status (APR=0.66, 95% CI 0.56-0.78) was associated with a lower prevalence of IPV. Conclusions: The IPV-associated factors are similar in both sexes, so comprehensive prevention and future interventions must consider the two directions of IPV (victim and perpetrator).