Physical violence and associated factors: a population-based study in Southern Brazil

Authors

  • Lílian dos Santos Palazzo Universidade Luterana do Brasil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Coletiva
  • Alessandra Kelling Universidade Luterana do Brasil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Coletiva
  • Jorge Umberto Béria Universidade Luterana do Brasil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Coletiva
  • Andréia Cristina Leal Figueiredo Universidade Luterana do Brasil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Coletiva
  • Luciana Petrucci Gigante Universidade Luterana do Brasil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Coletiva
  • Beatriz Raymann Universidade Luterana do Brasil; Programa de Pós-graduação em Saúde Coletiva
  • Diego Garcia Bassani University of Toronto; Centre for Global Health Research. St. Michael's Hospital

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102008000400007

Keywords:

Violence, Risk Factors, Socioeconomic Factors, Cross-Sectional Studies, Health Services Epidemiology

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of physical violence and its association with sociodemographic aspects, stressful life events, and the use of health services due to emotional problems. METHODS: A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted with a sample of 1,954 14-year-old or older inhabitants of the city of Canoas (Southern Brazil). They were selected by means of conglomerate sampling according to a pre-established system. Data were obtained in visits to households by means of a confidential semi-structured questionnaire. A bivariate analysis was carried out through multinomial logistic regression, and the multivariate analysis by polytomous logistic regression, categorizing the outcome by age group. RESULTS: The findings show a prevalence of 9.7% (CI 95%: 8.37;11.03) and association with: women 20 years old and older (OR=2.74; CI 95%: 1.52;4.94); higher schooling rate (p<0.03); higher experience of stressful life events at 20 years of age or more (OR=6.61; CI 95%: 2.71;16.1); and doctors' appointments due to emotional problems as of 10 years of age (p>;0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of physical violence in the population was significant, resulting in important emotional consequences and impact on health services, requiring capacity building of the professionals in the field.

Published

2008-08-01

Issue

Section

Original Articles

How to Cite

Physical violence and associated factors: a population-based study in Southern Brazil . (2008). Revista De Saúde Pública, 42(4), 622-629. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102008000400007