Interpersonal violence injuries predisposing factors as seen at CHUK and CHUB.

Abstract

Background: Interpersonal conflicts often result into physical assaults of different magnitudes, usually resulting into interpersonal violence injuries. Every year, a significant portion of patients admitted at the Accident and Emergency units of the hospitals in Rwanda, like in other African countries, are victims of intentional interpersonal violence-related injuries. Globally, studies indicate that the problem of interpersonal violence related-injuries is recognized, and is a significant contributor to surgical morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyse and document the patterns and risk factors associated with interpersonal violence injuries in two referral hospitals in Rwanda (University Teaching Hospitals –CHUB and CHUK) Objective: To study the risk factors associated with interpersonal violence injuries. Methods: It was a prospective observational study. All patients with interpersonal violence injuries (physical injuries) willing to participate in the study were included. The variables studied included types of injuries, weapons used, relationship between assailant and victim, and factors leading to the violence. 138 participants were included in this study. Results: Among the 138 participants (victims) the risk factors identified were: Alcohol abuse (31%); Land conflicts (17%); Robbery (14.3%); Business-related / money issues (12.3%); Domestic violence, including child abuse (5.8%); others (2%). 114 patients improved well, 17 died and 2 were left with permanent injuries. Conclusion: Interpersonal violence injuries significantly contribute to our surgical morbidity and mortality. The predisposing or risk factors for interpersonal violence injuries in Rwanda are generally community based and may be preventable using community based interventions.