[Temporal analysis of mortality due to intimate partner violence in Spain].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the temporal distribution of mortality due to violence by intimate partners (VIP) and to identify possible temporal clusters in women deaths by VIP in Spain.


METHODS
We performed a descriptive epidemiological study based on the VIP deaths included in the database of the Federation of Divorced and Separated Women (1998-2003). The epidemic index (EI) was calculated as the ratio between the actual number of VIP deaths in a given month from January to July 2003 and the median number in the same month in the five preceding years. A Poisson model was used to analyze the distribution by years (1998-2002), seasons, months, and days. Simple regression analysis was performed with three-monthly means. A temporal cluster analysis was also carried out.


RESULTS
In 2003, the EI of VIP mortality was high in January (EI = 1.6), March (EI = 1.2), May (EI = 1.5), June (EI = 2), and July (EI = 2.5). Compared with 1998 and Sundays, respectively, mortality due to VIP was significantly increased in 2001 (relative risk, RR = 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-2.20) and on Mondays (RR = 1.77; 95%CI, 1.13-2.76). The regression analyses confirmed an increase between the first three-month period of 1998 and the last three-month period of 2001. There were no differences between seasons and months. No temporal clusters of deaths were detected.


CONCLUSIONS
VIP is currently an increasing epidemic in Spain with no clear temporal pattern. Political and legal efforts to reduce this problem do not seem to be successful.
Vives
Carmen
C
Departamento de Salud Pública. Universidad de Alicante. Alicante. España. Red de Investigación sobre Salud y Género.
Caballero
Pablo
P
Álvarez-Dardet
Carlos
C
D018585:Battered Women / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009026:Mortality / Q000639:trends; D012747:Sexual Partners; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014754:Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*