Domestic violence in female trauma patients - A prospective study at a trauma center.

Abstract

Introduction: Domestic violence (DV) represents a significant source of suffering, particularly among women as their lifetime risk of DV is 33%, globally. Identifying DV in emergency settings remains a clinical challenge as it is not consistently screened for. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of DV in female trauma patients at our trauma center and to describe their injuries, in order to improve targeted care services.

Methods: A prospective observational study from September 2021 to September 2022 included women (≥18 years) admitted to Sahlgrenska University Hospital's Trauma Unit in Gothenburg, Sweden. Exclusions comprised non-Swedish residents, post-traffic accident admissions, dementia, or the inability to give informed consent. Patients completed questionnaires on DV history, current DV, type of abuse, substance involvement, relationship duration, and education level. Data on injury, management, and hospital stay were collected.

Results: Of 19 included patients, 36.8% (n = 7) experienced DV. None reported sexual abuse. DV-exposed women had a mean age of 53 ± 17 years, while the non-DV group averaged 60 ± 23 years (P > 0.05), with a hospital stay of 2.6 ± 1.9 days and 5 ± 3.4 days, respectively (P > 0.05). To be asked about DV was important to all patients of both groups. Half of the DV-exposed women desired to consult a social worker. Injury patterns did not significantly differ between the groups; however, physically abused women exhibited more contusions, lacerations, and abrasions of the skin in all areas of the body.

Conclusion: There is a substantial prevalence of DV among female trauma patients, underscoring the need for medical professionals to consistently screen for DV in all female trauma cases, irrespective of the nature of their injuries.