title: Assault patients attending a Scottish accident and emergency department.
abstract: Over 2 months in 1995, 235 assault patients attended the accident and emergency department of the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley (2.4% of total new attendances). 80% were male and their mean age was 28 years (range 6-64); men were the assailants in over 90% of attacks. Alcohol had been consumed by 69% of the victims and 9% admitted to taking illicit drugs. The commonest place of assault was the street (44%) but women were more likely to be assaulted in their homes. Penetrating weapons were used in 23% of assaults. 60% of all injuries were to the head and neck. 27% of the victims were admitted to hospital. Paisley has an assault rate similar to that of other UK centres but the use of penetrating weapons is much higher than elsewhere.
authors.affiliation: Accident and Emergency Department, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley, Scotland.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wright
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kariya
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D012606:Scotland / Q000453:epidemiology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D013997:Time Factors; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*