scholarly journals Gun violence against unhoused and unstably housed women: A cross-sectional study that highlights links to childhood violence

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rose M. C. Kagawa ◽  
Elise D. Riley

Abstract Background Unstably housed women experience high levels of violence. While previous studies have investigated psychological, physical, and sexual violence, weapon and gun violence are rarely delineated. We examined factors associated with experiencing violence as an adult among unhoused and unstably housed women, with a focus on gun violence. Methods We recruited women with a history of housing instability from San Francisco homeless shelters, street encampments, free meal programs, low-income hotels, and health clinics. Participants completed interviews including questions regarding both childhood and adult violence. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine associations of specific types of childhood violence (i.e., physical, sexual, gun, other weapon-involved violence), age, race, ethnicity, educational attainment, and sexual orientation, with risk of experiencing specific types of violence as an adult (i.e., gun, other weapon-involved, physical violence). Because the violence outcomes were not rare, odds ratios were transformed to approximate risk ratios. Results Nearly half of women (n = 110, 45%) had been attacked with a gun as an adult. Violent victimization in adulthood was common, with 33% having experienced all three forms of violence. The probability of being attacked with a gun as an adult was almost 70% higher among women who had been hit or kicked hard enough to cause injury as a child (RR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.24, 2.11), and this association was present for all three violence outcomes. No other risk factors explored, including other types of violence experienced as a child, met the statistical threshold to be considered significant. Conclusions The high prevalence of gun violence reported here is consistent with prior studies of violence conducted in similar populations. Considered in combination with prior research, findings suggest multi-generational violence prevention interventions for low-income women and girls are needed. They also emphasize the need to more actively include people who experience unstable housing in statewide and national violence surveys to better understand the extent of the problem and address on a broader scale the high rates of violence experienced by unstably housed populations, which have been consistently documented in local research.

Author(s):  
Meenal M. Thakare ◽  
Ravleen K. Bakshi ◽  
Purushottam A. Giri ◽  
M. K. Sharma ◽  
N. K. Goel

Background: Domestic violence is not just a problem of the lower and middle classes. Domestic violence is a pervasive problem in India that cuts across age, education, social class and religion. Present study was done with the objectives to study the prevalence of domestic violence issue; to measure different types of domestic violence (i.e. physical, sexual and emotional) ; and to assess the correlation of different socioeconomic factors with occurrence of domestic violence in rural field practice area of Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in rural field practice area amongst 800 women of reproductive age group by interview technique after obtaining an informed consent from. The questionnaire was based upon National Family Health Survey-3 questionnaire. The data was fed in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using Epi Info statistical software.Results: The prevalence of any type of domestic violence was 17.75%. Most common type of violence was humiliation, followed by physical violence in the form of slap (14.5%), twist, push, punch and kick. More severe forms like burns, dislocation, cuts were low (1.75%). The prevalence of sexual violence was found to be 1%. Domestic violence was associated with illiteracy in women (p=0.001), low income of women (p<0.001), reserved category of family (p<0.001), alcohol consumption in husband (p<0.001), low income or unemployed husband (p<0.001). No association of domestic violence was found with unemployment in women and illiteracy in husband.Conclusions: It needs more education, empowerment and sensitization in both men and women to change the patriarchal nature of Indian society and to break the culture of silence and tolerance against such heinous crime of inhumanity. 


2016 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 1171-1182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lauren H. Wong ◽  
Martha Shumway ◽  
Annesa Flentje ◽  
Elise D. Riley

This study examined the relationship between different forms of childhood violence (emotional, physical, and sexual) and these same forms of violence in adulthood, using a cross-sectional baseline survey of 298 homeless and unstably housed women in San Francisco, California. We also examined other related factors, including mental illnesses diagnosis, sex exchange, jail time, HIV status, and sociodemographic information. Regression analysis indicated that although several of these factors were associated with experiences of violence as an adult, specific types of child violence (e.g., sexual violence) predicted instances of that same type of violence as an adult but not necessarily other types. Thus, risk of adult violence among low-income women may be better predicted and addressed through histories of same-type childhood violence, despite years of intervening exposures and stressors.


2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (06) ◽  
pp. 1113-1116
Author(s):  
Nasira Naseem ◽  
Ijaz-Ul-Haque Taseer ◽  
Sohail Safdar

Objective: To see the frequency of anemia in pregnant ladies and its possible outcomes. Study design: Descriptive cross sectional study. Setting: Fatima Jinnah Women Hospital, Multan. Duration of study: Six months. Material and method: This prospective cross sectional study was conducted at Gynae and Obst. OPD at Fatima Jinnah Women Hospital, Multan. Non probability convenient sampling technique was used. All the pregnant women between 20-35 years irrespective of gestational age or any concurrent illness having parity upto 5 were registered for the study after getting written consent for participation. The pregnant ladies were evaluated by asking history of blood loss, parity, multiple pregnancy, worm infestation, use of NSAIDS and blood transfusion. They were especially asked about dietary habits which were rated as good, average and poor. Their socio economic status was assessed and was placed into high, middle and low income groups. Blood samples were drawn for blood counts and hemoglobin estimation in all the women presenting at hospital. Reflotron photometer, Roche Diagnostic was used for the blood testing. A cut off value of< 11 g/dl irrespective of duration of pregnancy was used for anemia. Peripheral blood film was examined for RBC morphology. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was used to categorize into micorcytic (< 76fl), macrocytic (>98fl) and normocytic (78-98fl). Fetal well being was evaluated by serial abdominal ultrasounds. Results: Three hundred pregnant women attending Gyne and Obst. OPD, Fatima Jinnah Women Hospital, Multan, were registered according to the study protocol. The duration of the study was 6 months. Maternal age was between 25-35 years. 86 % women were multiparous, 79% women presented during 3rd trimester, 15% during the 2nd trimester and 6% during 1st trimester. Thirty eight percent women had hemoglobin 8-9.9 g/dl, 48% had from 7-7.9 g/dl and 10%were falling between 5-7 g/dl. Eighty eight percent had microcytic hypochromic anemia, 12% with dimorphic picture and 4% were having low MCV and MCH but normal MCHC and these were referred for hemoglobin electrophoresis. Fifty eight percent had monthly income 2-4 thousands rupees and only 10% were earning 4-10 thousands per month. Seventy eight percent had poor diet and 22% had an average and no women were fit into the criteria for good diet. History of breast feeding was positive in 92% of the women. History of use of iron supplement was also asked, 28% had used various preparations of iron and folate for a variable period from 1-4 months, 72% never used hematinic supplements. History of previous blood transfusion during pregnancy and labour was present in 16% of the women. Three percent had fetal growth retardation. Conclusions: Prevalence of anemia during 3rd trimester of pregnancy in is high our society. It can have significant effects on maternal and fetal out come. It is a preventable cause which can be treated easily. Poverty and lack of education are the most important causes of anemia during pregnancy.


2017 ◽  
Vol 51 ◽  
pp. 102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laio Magno ◽  
Inês Dourado ◽  
Luís Augusto V da Silva ◽  
Sandra Brignol ◽  
Ana Maria de Brito ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVE: To estimate self-reported discrimination due to sexual orientation among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Brazil and to analyze associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 3,859 MSM recruited in 2008–2009 with respondent driven sampling. Data collection conducted in health centers in 10 Brazilian cities. A face-to-face questionnaire was used and rapid HIV and syphilis tests conducted. Aggregated data were weighted and adjusted odds ratio estimated to measure the association between selected factors and self-reported discrimination due to sexual orientation. RESULTS: The sample was predominantly young, eight plus years of schooling, pardo (brown), single, low-income, and identified themselves as gay or homosexual. The prevalence of self-reported discrimination due to sexual orientation was 27.7% (95%CI 26.2–29.1). Discrimination was independently associated with: age < 30 years, more years of schooling,community involvement and support, history of sexual and physical violence, suicidal thoughts, and unprotected receptive anal intercourse. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of self-reported discrimination among MSM in Brazil is high. These results challenge the assumptions that MSM-specific prevention and support programs are not required or that health professionals do not need special training to address MSM needs.


2006 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 97-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Aurélio Cigognini ◽  
Letícia Maria Furlanetto

OBJECTIVE: To determine the point prevalence of depressive disorders in medical inpatients, to identify related sociodemographic and medical factors and to evaluate the psychotropic treatment given. METHOD: A cross-sectional study identifying the prevalence of depressive disorders and related factors combined with a prospective longitudinal study evaluating the psychopharmacological treatment were conducted. Medical inpatients, aged 18 years or older, presenting suitability to be interviewed and giving written informed consent were selected. The sample was composed of 125 subjects. The following instruments were used: a sociodemographic questionnaire; the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview; and the Beck Depression Inventory. Data related to medical, personal and family histories of psychiatric disorders and psychotropic use were collected by interview and from patient charts. The study took place at the Hospital Santa Isabel, in Blumenau, located in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, from January to July of 2002. RESULTS: The prevalence of depressive disorders was 26%. The factors that correlated with depressive disorders were being female, having an income lower than 3 times the minimum wage, having a personal history of depressive disorders, using psychotropic drugs, scoring higher than 13 on the Beck Depression Inventory and having been referred for a psychiatric consultation (p < 0.05). Only 43.8% of the individuals with depressive disorders received antidepressants. Most of the depressed patients were being treated with benzodiazepines (62.5%). The most frequently prescribed drugs were diazepam and fluoxetine. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-quarter of the medical inpatients had depressive disorders. However, antidepressants were prescribed for less than half of them. Women with a history of depression, using benzodiazepines and having a low income presented significantly higher rates of depressive disorders. Physicians should suspect depression in patients presenting such characteristics.


Author(s):  
Eman Mohamed Mortada

Background and rationale of the study: Although Sharps injuries are a preventable hazard faced by medical personnel in the operating room yet it continues to be one of the hidden problems among HCP. The potential consequence of such injuries includes transmission of blood-borne pathogens with detrimental effects. Despite the advances in technology and increased awareness of medical staff, annually around 600 thousand to one million workers are affected thus considered as one of the most serious threats facing health care workers specially surgeon.Methodology: a cross sectional study of Zagazig University Hospitals surgical departments. Using a sample composed of 287 surgeons randomly chosen from different surgical departments. A questionnaire assessed in addition to personal and professional characteristics, the history of sharp injuries, types of instrument causing the injury, their post exposure prophylaxis including reporting. The results: There were total 287 surgeons participated in this study. (47%) of the respondent surgeons had been exposed to at least one episode of sharp injury in the preceding 3 months and most of the exposures (68%) occurred in the operation room. The injury was mainly caused during suturing (83%). The commonest devices, accused in most of the injuries were suturing needle and scalpel (74 and 59%). The majority of the surgeons (62%) didn’t report the SI and it was largely explained by the majority of the sampled respondents (89%) were not aware of the reporting system existing in their hospital.Conclusions: The most common reason of underreporting  in our study was the lack of awareness that all injuries must be reported.Recommendations: The observed high level of under reporting reflects the need for education on prevention. Our results can guide in planning an education program for the surgeons to increase awareness about dangers of sharp injuries and help improve the reporting strategy  and other potential prevention interventions for of sharp injuries.  


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Rıza Çıtıl ◽  
Mücahit Eğri ◽  
Yalçın Önder ◽  
Fazilet Duygu ◽  
Yunus Emre Bulut ◽  
...  

Objectives. Turkey is one of the countries that has the most cases of CCHF in recent years among the endemic countries. The disease also poses an important health threat with high mortality rate. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors of CCHF in adults aged ≥20 years in Tokat in the endemic region, Turkey. Methods. In this population-based cross-sectional study, a total of 85 Family Medicine Units (FMUs), from over 170 in Tokat, were randomly selected using 50% sampling. The sample size was determined among the subjects aged ≥20 who registered with the FMUs, due to gender, age group, and the urban/rural population size of Tokat using the stratified cluster sampling method. Subjects were invited to the FMUs. A questionnaire was performed face to face. The blood samples were taken, and anti-CCHFV IgG antibodies were measured with ELISA method. Results. 1272 (54.9%) out of 2319 participants were female, and the mean age was 47.3 ± 15.3. Anti-CCHFV IgG seropositivity was 5.6% (n = 130). Seropositivity rates in terms of adjusted odds ratios (AOR) were higher 2.53 times (95% CI: 1.57–4.08; p = 0.001 ) in males; 4.05 (95% CI: 2.14–7.65; p < 0.001 ) in age group ≥65; 0.33 (95% CI: 0.14–0.76; p < 0.001 ) in graduates of high school and above; 0.71 (95%CI: 0.33–1.52; p < 0.001 ) in ones with good income; 1.84 (95%CI: 1.18–2.86; p < 0.001 ) in farmers; 1.64 (95% CI: 1.04–2.27; p < 0.001 ) in people dealing with animal husbandry; and 1.02 (95% CI: 1.03–2.29; p < 0.001 ) in those with history of tick contact. Conclusions. CCHF seroprevalence is still a common public health problem in Tokat, Turkey. Male gender, advanced age group, low-educated, low-income, farmers, animal husbandry, and history of tick contact were found to be risk factors for CCHF. The importance of this kind of community-based studies to identify the seroprevalence in regional and national level increases even more.


Crisis ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Mohammed Madadin ◽  
Ritesh G. Menezes ◽  
Maha A. Alassaf ◽  
Abdulaziz M. Almulhim ◽  
Mahdi S. Abumadini ◽  
...  

Abstract. Background: Medical students are at high risk of suicidal ideation. Aim: We aimed to obtain information on suicidal ideation among medical students in Dammam located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the College of Medicine affiliated with Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Suicidal ideation in the past 12 months was assessed based on responses to four questions in the depression subscale of the General Health Questionnaire 28 (GHQ-28). In addition, data were collected to examine the association of suicidal ideation with various factors. Results: We found that 1 in 3 medical students in the study had suicidal ideation in the past 12 months, while around 40% had lifetime suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation was associated with feelings of parental neglect, history of physical abuse, and dissatisfaction with academic performance. Limitations: The cross-sectional nature of this study limits its ability to determine causality regarding suicidal ideation. Conclusion: These rates are considerably high when compared with rates from studies in other countries around the world. This study provides a reference in the field of suicidology for this region of Saudi Arabia.


Author(s):  
Kashish Narula ◽  
Narendra Kumar Dara ◽  
Shyam Lal Meena

Background: Thyroid hormones influence nearly all major metabolic pathways. Their most obvious and well-known action is the increase in basal energy expenditure obtained by acting on protein, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. The lipid metabolism is more influenced by the thyroid hormone. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients with suspicion of thyroid disorders were taken as cases. One hundred patients with normal thyroid profile and no history of other chronic diseases were taken as control group. Results: The serum TC, TG and LDL levels in hypothyroid individuals (both overt and subclinical) were significantly higher than euthyroid subjects but the levels were comparable between hyperthyroid and euthyroid group. Conclusion: Dyslipidemias are associated with thyroid disorders, so biochemical screening for thyroid dysfunction in all dyslipidemic patients. Therefore, patients presenting with dyslipidemia are recommended for investigation to explore thyroid dysfunction. Keywords: Thyroid profile, Total cholesterol, Triglycerides and LDL


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