Factors associated with adolescents' perception of four types of domestic violence in Honduras/Central America during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Abstract

Introduction: The confinement measures applied during the pandemic brought as a consequence an increase in domestic violence, this problem has not been investigated from the perspective of adolescents in Central America. Objective: To determine the factors associated with adolescents' perception of four types of domestic violence in Honduras during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methodology: Cross-sectional analytical study, secondary database, inquired about the perception of four types of domestic violence during the highest peak of the first wave of the pandemic. A multivariate analysis including socio-familial variables was performed, and descriptive and analytical results were obtained. Results: Of the 3272 young people surveyed, verbal violence was associated with a basic educational level (p<0.001), alcohol consumption (p<0.001) and that the father (p=0.040), mother (p<0.001) or siblings (p<0.001) had suffered violence at home. For psychological violence, the father (p=0.031), the mother (p<0.001) or the siblings (p<0.001) had suffered domestic violence. For physical violence, basic education level (p=0.002), the father (p=0.005), the mother (p<0.001) or the siblings (p<0.001) had suffered violence at home. Sexual violence was associated with drug use in the last six months (p<0.001). Discussion: Multiple associations were found with four types of violence perceived by adolescents, which should serve to generate psychological support programs for this group, which has problems due to the stage of life they are in. Conclusion: Honduran adolescents were exposed to four types of violence in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the associated factors were educational level, alcohol and other drug consumption, and a history of violence in the first degree of consanguinity.