Leveraging emergency medical services data to analyse characteristics and risk factors of violence: an epidemiological study.
Academic Article
Overview
abstract
BACKGROUND: Violence-related injuries result in over a million deaths globally and affect individuals across various settings and demographics. This study examines the characteristics of violence victims and risk factors for assault at homes. METHODOLOGY: The Punjab Emergency Service (Rescue 1122) is the primary provider of emergency medical services in the province of Punjab, covering a population of over 156 million through over 900 ambulances. We analysed data from Rescue 1122 from 1 January to 31 December 2022, where the chief complaint was physical assault. Regression analysis was conducted to identify those at risk of assault at home versus roads. RESULTS: During the study period, Rescue 1122 responded to 24 559 physical assault calls. Victims were predominantly males (77.7%). Labourers (53.30%) and homemakers (20.50%) were the most affected occupational groups. The average age of victims was 33 years (SD 12.7), with 6.36% being children and 4.65% over the age of 60. Assaults occurred predominantly at home (52.8%) and on the roadside (31.77%).Multivariable regression analysis revealed that females had 2.35 times higher odds of being assaulted at home versus roads compared with males (95% CI 1.98 to 2.80). Compared with victims aged 18-29 years, children under 18 years and elderly over 60 years had higher odds of getting assaulted; adjusted OR (AOR) 1.38 and 1.62, respectively. Homemakers (AOR 2.45) had the highest odds of assault at homes. CONCLUSION: Homes usually regarded as safe space can be a risk factor, especially for females, children and the elderly. Targeted interventions are essential to reduce this risk.
