Domestic violence during quarantine: A cross-sectional study on perceived prevalence and their socio-educational factors among Latin Americans

Mejia C.R.; Cardenas-Carreño A.F.; Cajahuanca-Colachagua P.; Arias-Chavez D.; Serna-Alarcón V.; Vilela-Estrada M.A.; Requena-Pastorelli T.; Zambrano L.I.; Castro-Ramos H.N.; Espinoza-Turcios E. · Social Sciences and Humanities Open (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.ssaho.2026.102517

Resumen

Introduction Domestic violence is a persistent global public health issue. During the COVID-19 quarantine, increased family confinement often intensified conflicts, contributing to mental health challenges. Aim To determine the perceived prevalence of domestic violence during quarantine among Latin Americans; and to investigate the socio-educational factors associated with their perception on domestic violence during quarantine. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted, utilizing a survey with four questions to assess the perception of domestic violence (Cronbach's Alpha: 0.88) among 8145 participants from Latin America. Multivariate analysis was used to explore the factors associated. Results Among the participants, only 11 % (3 % strongly agreed and 8 % agreed), and similarly reported increase in domestic violence among their neighbors, friends, and family members during the quarantine. The analysis revealed that men (RPa: 1.08; 95 % CI: 1.04–1.13; p ' 0.001) and individuals with post-traumatic stress (RPa: 1.30; 95 % CI: 1.24–1.36; p ' 0.001) had a higher perception of domestic violence. Discussion The findings highlight important factors that influenced the perception of domestic violence, including gender, education level, and post-traumatic stress. Conclusion A higher perception of domestic violence was observed among men and individuals with post-traumatic stress, whereas individuals with graduate education and those who were married or divorced reported lower perceptions. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions and support systems ; mental, occupational and social, to address the impact of domestic violence, particularly during crisis situations, like the pandemic. Copyright

Instituciones: Universidad Privada Antenor Orrego; Universidad Continental; Universidad de Huánuco; Universidad César Vallejo