Violência entre parceiros íntimos e sua relação com o consumo de álcool e drogas ilícitas em um estado brasileiro

Abstract

Objective: The present study assessed the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) in the state of Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil, and its relationship with alcohol and illicit drug use. Methods: Between November 2013 and November 2014, a total of 1,748 individuals [1,344 (76.9%) women], married or cohabiting, were interviewed by telephone in 174/853 (20.4%) cities, randomly selected in multiple stages. For the evaluation of the occurrence of VPIs was used the Conflict Tactics Scale revised. Were also collected sociodemographic data and information to VPI had occurred after the use of alcohol or illicit drugs by one or both partners. Results: Among them, 94% reported IPV episodes, of which 46.6% were associated with alcohol use and 9.1% with illicit drug use. IPV was more prevalent when one or both partners were under the influence of alcohol and more severe when under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs. Under the influence of alcohol the psychological VPIs (50.3%), financial (52.4%), physical (57.0%) and sexual (67.6%) were more prevalent than when neither partner was under the influence of alcohol or other drugs (48.3%, 46.4%, 31.3% and 19.3%, respectively). Physical violence (11.7%) or sexual (13.1%) was more frequent (p <0.00) that psychological violence (1.4%) or financial (1.2%) when one of the partners or both had consumed illicit drugs. Among IPV episodes associated with alcohol or illicit drug use, men reported perpetration (54,3%) and mutual violence (37,6%) more frequently, whereas women reported victimization (53,7%) and mutual violence (39,1%). Conclusions: In conclusion, very high prevalences of IPV were found in one of the states of a developing country. The fact that interviews were conducted by telephone may have enabled individuals to feel more comfortable to report the occurrence of IPV. Additionally, there was an important association between IPV and alcohol or illicit drug use, suggesting that consumption of psychoactive substances is related to a higher frequency and severity of attacks in marital relationships. The identification of factors associated with IPV can contribute to the creation or improvement of public policies to prevent such occurrences. Enabling the population to be aware of the risks involved in the consumption of these substances is one of the challenges faced by the institutions in charge of public health.