Risk factors and predictors of violence: insights from the emergency department at a level 1 trauma center in the USA

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to assess the risk factors and predictors of violence among patients admitted to a Level 1 trauma center in a single institution.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who were admitted with a history of violence between 2012 and 2016.

Results: A total of 9855 trauma patients were admitted, of whom 746 (7.6%) had a history of violence prior to the index admission. Patients who had history of violence were younger and more likely to be males, Black, Hispanic and covered by low-income primary payer in comparison to non-assault trauma patients (P < 0.001 for all). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that covariate-adjusted predictors of violence were being Black, male having low-income primary payer, Asian, drug user, alcohol intoxicated and smoker.

Conclusions: Violence is a major problem among young age subjects with certain demographic, social and ethnic characteristics. Trauma centers should establish violence injury prevention programs for youth and diverse communities.

Keywords: assault; emergency; injury prevention; trauma; violence.