Correlates of violence history among injured patients in an urban emergency department: gender, substance use, and depression

J Addict Dis. 2007;26(3):61-75. doi: 10.1300/J069v26n03_07.

Abstract

This study surveyed consecutive injured patients (n = 320) in an urban emergency department (ED) regarding past year violence, substance use, and depression. Victimization and aggression variables (none = N, partner only = P, non-partner only = NP, and generalized/both partner and non-partner = G) were compared on gender, depression, and substance use/consequences. Findings were similar for victimization and aggression variables. Depression was significantly related to violence for women but not for men; women in the P group reported the most depression. Substance variables were significantly related to violence by gender groups. Men in NP and G groups reported the most binge drinking; men in the G group reported the most consequences and drug use. Women in P and G groups reported the most binge drinking and consequences; women in the P group reported the most drug use. Screening urban ED patients for violence is warranted, with interventions addressing both partner and non-partner violence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Age Distribution
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology
  • Conflict, Psychological
  • Depression / diagnosis
  • Depression / epidemiology*
  • Depression / psychology
  • Emergency Medical Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Prevalence
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sex Distribution
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Urban Population / statistics & numerical data*
  • Violence / statistics & numerical data*
  • Wounds and Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Wounds and Injuries / psychology*