[Factors associated with aggression perpetrated by unknown assailants among young males treated by the emergency services: a case-control study]

Interpersonal violence-related physical injury in low- and middle-income countries and its association with markers of socioeconomic status: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Interpersonal violence-related physical injury (IPVRPI) is a leading cause of death in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), yet reliable data relating socioeconomic status (SES) and IPVRPI in these settings are lacking. We analyzed existing literature on associations between SES and IPVRPI in LMICs to understand how SES is measured in these contexts and synthesize data relating markers of SES to IPVRPI at the individual-level in order to inform future hospital-based IPVRPI prevention efforts.

METHODS

We searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Global Health databases in January 2022 for analytical studies from LMICs that explored individual-level associations between IPVRPI and markers of SES. Studies about intimate partner violence, suicide, or children < 12 years old were excluded, as were population-level studies. Markers of SES considered were educational attainment, employment, and household wealth. Collated data relating these SES indicators with IPVRPI were presented in forest plots.

RESULTS

A total of 34 studies from 20 LMICs were included. Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa were the most represented countries. Studies were mostly cross-sectional (n = 23), and data were typically from patient hospital records (n = 17) or population surveys (n = 12). Included studies explored associations between IPVRPI and education (n = 26), employment (n = 26), and household wealth (n = 19). Categorizations, particularly for employment and wealth, were highly variable between studies. Among the studies that performed multivariable analyses, IPVRPI was found to be significantly associated with lower educational attainment (n = 6), unemployment (n = 4), and lower household wealth (n = 6).

CONCLUSIONS

Numerous studies have explored individual-level associations between IPVRPI and markers of SES among LMIC populations. Across a variety of LMIC contexts, we found that IPVRPI tended to be associated with markers of lower SES. Further conclusions were limited by the heterogeneity of SES measure categorizations, varied IPVRPI case definitions, and lack of adjusted analyses. Future research should ensure SES measures utilized in LMICs are comprehensive and comparable, focus more specifically on IPVRPI from community violence, and consider hospital-based interventions to reduce risk of IPVRPI in LMIC settings.

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH VERTEBRAL TRAUMA AT A REFERENCE CENTER IN THE AMAZON

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze the epidemiological profile of patients with vertebral trauma treated at a medical reference center at the state of Pará, Northern Brazil. Methods A quantitative and retrospective study conducted at Hospital Metropolitano de Urgência e Emergência (HMUE) in Ananindeua, Northern Brazil, from January 2020 to March 2020, using medical records of patients admitted to the hospital from January 2018 to December 2019. Results Data from 270 medical records from the orthopedic and trauma sector of the hospital were analyzed. Conclusion The predominant profile was male patients, aged between 20 and 29 years, with low social conditions, presenting compressive lesions of lumbar vertebrae, submitted to conservative intervention, with hospital stays of 8 to 30 days, and evolving to complete recovery without sequelae. Level of evidence II; Retrospective Study.

Aggressions in urgency and emergency care in Brazilian capitals: perspectives of 2011, 2014 and 2017 VIVA Survey

OBJECTIVES

To describe the profile of care provided by aggressions in emergency units from the VIVA Survey 2011, 2014 and 2017 data, and to compare the evolution of six indicators over four (2011 to 2014) and seven years (2011 to 2017).

METHODS

Cross-sectional study, using data from the last three editions of the VIVA Survey carried out in the Federal District and in 19 Brazilian capitals. The types of occurrence were selected: aggression/mistreatment and intervention by a public agent. The weighted frequencies of the characteristics of the people assisted, of the aggressions, injuries and evolution of the cases were calculated, according to sex. Differences between proportions were compared using the χ2 Test. Six indicators were also selected and their evolution over the years was evaluated by means of the percentage variation and the 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

In most cases of aggression, the individuals were black, young and adult, of both sexes. The main nature of the assaults was physical, reaching over 85% in all investigations, followed by negligence. In the comparison between 2011 and 2017, "neglect" aggressions had a significant increase in both sexes and in children and the elderly; aggressions of a "sexual" nature had a significant increase only in children.

CONCLUSIONS

The VIVA Survey is an important tool for Brazil's Violence and Accident Surveillance System, providing evidence for public health decision-making and for coping with and preventing violence.