Injuries from interpersonal violence presenting to a rural health center in Western Kenya: characteristics and correlates.
OBJECTIVE
To define the scope of injury due to interpersonal violence in a medium-sized town in Western Kenya.


METHODS
Prospective, cross-sectional data collection and analysis.


METHODS
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.


METHODS
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.
Ranney
M L
ML
Injury Prevention Center, Department of Emergency Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA. mranney@lifespan.org
Odero
W
W
Mello
M J
MJ
Waxman
M
M
Fife
R S
RS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007630:Kenya / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012423:Rural Health; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D055815:Young Adult