Factors Associated with Interpersonal Violence and Depression Symptoms in Adolescent Students from Jalisco during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction: Violence is a major public health problem, which increased during the Covid-19 pandemic, affecting the physical and mental development of adolescents.

Objective: To analyze factors associated with interpersonal violence and depressive symptoms in adolescent students in the South of Jalisco.

Methods: Data were drawn from an online survey of 3,046 adolescents (12-19 years) conducted between September and December 2021. The Beck Depression Inventory was used to assess depressive symptoms. Self-report of neglect, physical, psychological, sexual, and digital violence in the previous 12 months were analyzed. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models explored factors associated with depression and violence.

Results: A total of 28.8% of the sample reported depressive symptoms, 46.9% physical violence, 42.7% psychological violence, 34.9% neglect, 12.3% digital violence, and 5.2% sexual violence. The odds of depression were higher for those who experienced physical violence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.3 CI95% [1.1-1.6]), psychological and (aOR=4.1 CI95% [3.4-5.1]), digital violence (aOR=2.0 CI95% [1.5-2.5]); and neglect (aOR=1.6 CI95% [1.3-1.9]). Grils and adolescents aged 15-19 years, had higher odds of experiencing sexual, digital, and psychological violence. Poor school performance was associated with lower odds of reporting neglect (aOR=0.6 CI95% [0.5-0.8]) and sexual violence (aOR=0.5 CI95% [0.3-0.8]), while being employed was associated with reporting higher odds of physical violence (aOR=1.5 CI95% [1.3-1.8]) and neglect (aOR=1.3 CI95% [1.1-1.5]). Greater use of social networks and videogames was associated with higher odds of physical, psychological, and digital violence.

Conclusion: It is necessary to implement comprehensive public programs and policies to address violence and implement intersectoral social intervention strategies in mental health.