Psychological Distress, Family Relationship and Reasons for Consultation of Women from Arequipa, Peru

Abstract

Objective: to analyze the association between psychological distress, family relationships and reasons for consultation of women who attended a health center in the city of Arequipa, Peru. Method: cross-sectional study, 134 women from different socioeconomic strata participated. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale and a sociodemographic data sheet were applied. Results: It was determined that 30.6% of the sample suffered from psychological distress, which was associated with educational level, socioeconomic level, perception of family relationships and headaches. Conclusions: psychological distress may be conditioned by psychosocial variables such as family, education and socioeconomic status; this has an impact on the physical health of affected people.