Citation

Ranney ML, Odero WW, Mello MJ, Waxman M, Fife RS. Inj. Prev. 2009; 15(1): 36-40.

Affiliation

Injury Prevention Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/ip.2008.019547

PMID

19190274

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To define the scope of injury due to interpersonal violence in a medium-sized town in Western Kenya. DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional data collection and analysis. Setting/ SUBJECTS: Data were prospectively collected on all injured patients (n = 562) presenting to a health center in Western Kenya, 2002-2004. Age, gender, type, and severity of injury, relationship to assailant, disposition, and clinician's suspicion of alcohol use were recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of injuries due to interpersonal violence; correlation of gender, alcohol use, relationship to assailant, and type of injury. RESULTS: Interpersonal violence caused 43% of all injuries. Men and women were equally likely to suffer violent injuries (42% vs 45%); however, women were more likely to suffer injury from domestic violence (4.7% vs 7.0%) and sexual assault (0% vs 3.5%). Men and women were equally likely to know their assailant. Women were more likely to be injured by a spouse/partner (19% vs 1.3%), whereas men were more likely to be injured by an acquaintance (29% vs 16%). Alcohol use was more often suspected for victims of violent, as opposed to unintentional, injury (45% vs 16%). Men with violent injuries were more likely than women to be suspected of having used alcohol (51% vs 35%). CONCLUSIONS: Interpersonal violence is a leading cause of injury in Western Kenya. Although men and women are equally likely to be assaulted, women are more likely to be injured by a spouse, and men by an acquaintance. Alcohol use is common among those who suffer violent injuries in this population.

Language: en