Injuries connected to violence--an analysis of data from the injury registry
Engeland, A.; Kopjar, B.
Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin Ny Raekke 120(6): 714-717
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-2001 PMID: 10806886 Document Number: 525637
Injury purposely inflicted by other persons is a potentially significant public health problem in Norway, and the size of the problem has received little attention. We used data from the Norwegian National Injury Sample Registry from 1990-1997 and investigated occurrence of such injuries. A total of 9,649 injuries were included in this study, or 3.8 injuries per 1,000 person-years. Of these, 16% (0.6 per 1,000 person-years) required inpatient treatment. Injuries due to violence represented 2.4% of all injuries among women and 5.5% of all injuries among men. The incidence rate for men and women was highest in the age group 15-24 years. The incidence rate among men in this age group was 4-5 times the rate among women. Domestic violence caused at least 39% of injuries among women. Weekend injuries were overrepresented; about 64% of the injuries occurred from Friday to Sunday. Figures represented in this study reveal only a portion of the problem of violent injuries. Spouse abuse, mental abuse, maltreatment, and sexual abuse without a physical injury are not represented in our data.