A cross-sectional study of the relationship between mental disorders and dating violence victimisation in university undergraduates

Abstract

Background: In many climes, dating violence is quite prevalent among young persons, and contemporary research has demonstrated that Nigerian youths are not exempted from this menace. Beyond the physical impact of violence, victims of dating violence could also experience common mental health problems like; depression, anxiety, and suicidality.Aims: To determine the pattern and magnitude of dating violence victimisation, and the relationship between dating violence victimisation, depression, anxiety, and suicidality among undergraduate students.Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of 118 undergraduate students recruited using convenience sampling. The questionnaires used were; the Dating Violence Questionnaire (DVQ), Suicide Behaviour Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R), Hospital Anxiety  and Depression Scale (HADS), and a Socio-Demographic Questionnaire.Results: Humiliation and sexual abuse were the commonest, and least common forms of dating violence victimization respectively. Humiliation was predictive of depression (P=0.04) and suicidality (P=0.04), physical abuse was predictive of anxiety (P=0.02), and sexual abuse was predictive of suicidality (P=0.03).Conclusions: There is a need for better advocacy for prevention programs against dating violence, and scaling up of mental health services for youths suffering from dating violence-related mental health problems.