Depression, suicide attempts, and exposure to physical attacks: A nationwide cross‑sectional survey in Mexico

Aim This study investigated the relationship between direct exposure to physical attacks and mental health (depression and suicide attempts) in the Mexican adult population. It also examined biological sex as a possible effect modifier. Subject and methods A representative sample of 13,391 adults from the 2021 National Health and Nutrition Survey of Mexico (ENSANUT) was analyzed. Poisson regressions were used to estimate crude and adjusted prevalence ratios. Results Victims of physical violence more than doubled the prevalence of depression (adjusted prevalence ratio = 2.59, 95% CI 2.11–3.19) and more than sextupled the prevalence of suicide attempts (adjusted prevalence ratio = 6.67, 95% CI 3.25–13.69) compared to non-victims. Sex was not a significant effect modifier. Conclusion Direct exposure to physical attacks is associated with a higher prevalence of depression and suicide attempts in the Mexican adult population. The impact of attacks on these mental health outcomes is similar in men and women.