Citation

Meuleners LB, Lee AH, Xia J, Fraser M, Hendrie D. Aust. Health Rev. 2011; 35(1): 70-74.

Affiliation

School of Public Health, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, GPO Box U 1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia. Email: ; ;

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Australian Healthcare Association, Publisher Australasian Medical Publishing)

DOI

10.1071/AH10913

PMID

21367334

Abstract

Objective. To estimate the incidence of interpersonal violence presentations to general practitioners (GPs). Methods. A postal survey of all GPs in Western Australia (WA) was conducted in 2009 using a structured questionnaire. Results. Among the n=476 respondents (response rate 28%), 379 GPs treated 9572 patients for a violent incident during the past year. The rate of violent presentations in rural WA was double that of metropolitan areas (incident rate ratio (IRR) 1.9, 95% CI 1.8-2.0), whereas the rate of violent episodes in remote GP practices was 7-fold higher (IRR 7.2, 95% CI 6.8-7.6). Halls Creek in remote northern WA was found to be a 'hot spot' with a high cluster of violence cases, whereas metropolitan suburbs surrounding Perth had relatively low concentrations of violence presentations. Conclusions. Further understanding of the size and nature of the problem is required in view of the low response rate. High-risk groups, such as women and those living in rural and remote areas, should be targeted for special attention. What is known about the topic? Previous studies of interpersonal violence have been based on victim surveys or crime databases, which are subjected to both under- and over-reporting. Hospital admission and mortality statistics represent severe injuries resulting from violence episodes. However, victims who sought treatment from GPs are not routinely recorded. What does this paper add? Rural and remote GP practices reported a higher incident of violent presentations than their metropolitan counterparts. The finding provides a basis to further investigate the level of GP services for treating interpersonal violence injuries. What are the implications for practitioners? Sentinel surveillance of GPs is recommended. High-risk groups such as women and those living in rural and remote areas should be targeted for attention.

Language: en