Crime victimisation and depressive symptoms among Mexican adults: evidence from 2021 to 2023 national data

This study examines the relationship between crimes type and depressive symptoms among adults using nationally representative data. Data from the 2021–2023 Mexican Health and Nutrition Survey (n = 31,946; age ≥ 20) were analysed. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD-7). Exposure to physical attacks (categorised as common crimes, domestic/partner violence and high-intensity crime) in the preceding 12 months was the independent variable. Logistic regression models controlling for covariates and incorporating state and year fixed effects were fitted. Depressive symptoms were most prevalent among those experiencing domestic/partner violence (47.44%), followed by high-intensity crime (42.55%) and common crimes (23.29%). The odds of depressive symptoms were significantly higher for all attack types (all p < 0.001), highest for high-intensity crime (OR = 5.83) and domestic/partner violence (OR = 4.87), followed by common crimes (OR = 2.00), compared to no attack. Findings indicate a strong association between crimes type and depressive symptoms.