RISK FACTORS FOR MORTALITY AMONG VICTIMS OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE IN FOUR LOW TO MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRIES kathryn_chu@yahoo.com

PW07-06

RISK FACTORS FOR MORTALITY AMONG VICTIMS OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE IN FOUR LOW TO MIDDLE INCOME COUNTRIES

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South Africa

Oral only

Interpersonal violence (IPV), defined as violence between individuals, including homicide and assault, represents a major yet preventable contributor to trauma-related mortality and morbidity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study aims to determine risk factors for in-hospital mortality among IPV-injured persons in four diverse LMICs.

Data were collected prospectively from injured patients from rural and urban hospitals across Ghana, Pakistan, Rwanda, and South Africa. Data sources included medical records and patient/guardian surveys. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used to assess the risk factors for in-hospital mortality among individuals injured through IPV.

From February 2023 to July 2024, 9720 injured patients were enrolled, and 8811 (90.6%) reported injury mechanism. IPV accounted for 1556 (17.7%) injuries ranging from 6.9% in Ghana to 47.6% in South Africa. Of these, 1440 (89.9%) were male and the median age was 30 years (IQR:24-38). Firearm was most common mechanism for injury in Pakistan and sharp instruments in the other countries. Overall, in-hospital mortality for IPV cases was 7.3% (n=114). On multivariable analysis, urban hospitals (OR=7.76, p =0.005), severe injury (OR=5.14, p = 0.001) and neurotrauma (OR=9.60, p =0.048), were significantly associated with increased in hospital mortality.

Mechanisms of IPV varied between our study countries with South Africa having the highest proportion of injuries attributable to IPV. Prevention strategies to decrease the severity of injuries due to IPV, especially head trauma, should be targeted to improve survival.