"Nenhuma Pessoa Idosa Merece Passar por Isso": Compreensão da Violência para Mulheres Gerontes / "Ninguna Persona Adulta Mayor Merece Pasar Por Esto": Comprensión de la Violencia para las Mujeres Adultas Mayores / "No Elderly Person Deserves to Go Through This": Understanding Violence Towards Elderly Women

Resumo Introdução: A violência contra idosos é um fenômeno crescente, ocasionando prejuízos à saúde, com diferentes desfechos e consequências às vítimas. A chance de idosas sofrerem-na no âmbito familiar supera a dos homens, sendo o gênero um fator de risco considerável. Objetivo: Analisar a compreensão da violência contra pessoas idosas segundo mulheres gerontes. Metodologia: Pesquisa descritiva com abordagem qualitativa desenvolvida com 22 idosas de uma comunidade no estado da Paraíba, Brasil, escolhidas por conveniência. Utilizou-se para coleta de dados entrevistas semiestruturadas, processadas pelo software Iramuteq, com posterior Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados: Foram evidenciadas cinco classes: ciclo de violência; rede de apoio ao idoso vítima de violência; Vivência de situações violentas; violência financeira; e simbologia da violência na sociedade, as quais denotam compreensão da violência envolvendo os diferentes tipos. Apoiam-se nos fatores da vivência familiar, cultura e outros, consubstanciando o profissional de saúde como fundamental para o desfecho. O gênero influenciou no que concerne ao olhar lançado sobre a violência física e psicológica, bem como na relevância dada às equipes de saúde para identificação de ocorrências e prevenção de possíveis danos. Conclusão: Os diversos tipos de violência contra a pessoa idosa foram reconhecidos, incluindo fatores individuais, comunitários e sociais no ciclo violento. Além disso, associaram o envelhecimento a maior suscetibilidade para sofrer violência, independente da tipologia. Destaca-se a potencialidade do serviço de saúde na assistência à pessoa idosa vítima de violência, elucidando casos e atuando precocemente para interrupção dos ciclos perpetrados, exigindo a necessidade constante de atualização profissional para lidar com situações detectadas.

Resumen Introducción: La violencia contra las personas adultas mayores es un fenómeno creciente, que causa daños a la salud, con diferentes desenlaces y consecuencias para las víctimas. La posibilidad de que las mujeres adultas mayores la sufran en el ámbito familiar supera la de los hombres, siendo el género un factor de riesgo considerable. Objetivo: Analizar la comprensión de la violencia contra las personas mayores según las mujeres adultas mayores. Metodología: Investigación descriptiva con enfoque cualitativo desarrollada con 22 mujeres adultas mayores de una comunidad en el estado de Paraíba, Brasil, elegidas por conveniencia. Para la recolección de datos, se utilizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas, procesadas por el software Iramuteq, con posterior análisis de contenido. Resultados: Se evidenciaron cinco tipos de violencia: ciclo de la violencia, red de apoyo población adulta mayor víctima de violencia, experimentar situaciones violentas, violencia financiera y simbología de la violencia en la sociedad, que denotan la comprensión de la violencia de diferentes tipos. Estas ideas están respaldadas en los factores de la experiencia familiar, la cultura y otros, donde la persona profesional de la salud se identifica como fundamental para el cuidado y apoyo. El género influyó en la mirada lanzada sobre la violencia física y psicológica, así como en la relevancia dada a los equipos de salud para la identificación de sucesos y la prevención de posibles daños. Conclusión: Se han reconocido los diversos tipos de violencia contra las personas mayores, incluidos los factores individuales, comunitarios y sociales en el ciclo de violencia. Además, asociaron el envejecimiento con una mayor susceptibilidad a sufrir violencia, independientemente de la tipología. Destaca la potencialidad del servicio de salud en la asistencia a la persona mayor víctima de violencia, mediante la identificación de casos y la actuación temprana para la interrupción de los ciclos perpetrados. De manera que, se evidencia la necesidad constante de actualización profesional para hacer frente a situaciones detectadas.

Abstract Introduction: Violence against the elderly is a growing phenomenon, causing damage to health, with different outcomes and consequences to the victims. The possibility of elderly women suffering it in the family context surpasses that of men, with gender being a considerable risk factor. Objective: To analyze the understanding of violence against the elderly according to elderly women. Method: Descriptive research with a qualitative approach developed with 22 elderly women from a community in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, chosen for convenience. The data collection was based on semi-structured interviews, processed by the Iramuteq software, with subsequent Content Analysis. Results: Five classes of violence against the elderly were evidenced: cycle of violence; support network for the elderly victims of violence; experience of violent situations; financial violence; and symbolism of violence in society, which denote an understanding of violence involving the different types. They are based on the factors of family experience, culture, and others, placing the health professional as a fundamental element for care and support. Gender influenced the perspective on physical and psychological violence, as well as the relevance given to health teams for the identification of occurrences and the prevention of possible damage. Conclusion: The various types of violence against the elderly have been recognized, including individual, community, and social factors in the violent cycle. In addition, they associated aging with greater susceptibility to suffering violence, regardless of the typology. It highlights the potential of the health service in assisting the elderly victim of violence, elucidating cases, and acting early to interrupt the cycles perpetrated, requiring the constant need for professional updating to deal with detected situations.

"I am a survivor!": Violently Injured Black Men's Perceptions of Labeling After a Violent Firearm Injury.

Self-appraisal after a life-altering event is a critical process for individuals, often comprised by assigned labels that may not align with an individuals' perceptions of themselves or of their situation. Existing research within this victim-survivor dichotomy largely rests in the interpersonal violence space, with a victim assuming legal recourse and wrongdoing, and a survivor associating with positive personal characteristics like grit and resilience. Much existing literature on self-appraisal after interpersonal injury is heavily concentrated within the sexual violence literature, and this study applies these concepts to a sample of Black men injured by firearms. Ten Black men enrolled in a hospital-based violence intervention program (HVIP) were interviewed to understand how they label their experience of firearm injury, and if their perceptions aligned with common labels seen among other populations and/or in other areas of study (e.g., cancer, domestic violence). Each participant assigned themselves their own label, with three labels emerging: survivor, victim and survivor, and neither victim nor survivor. The results illustrate the nuance of experiences beyond the victim-survivor dichotomy, and how labels and personal identities may shift following injury into new terms and considerations of resilience and trauma processing. More research is warranted to understand the factors that shape self-labeling within this population, including influences of masculine norms, racialized stereotypes, community context, and availability of services. Findings support public awareness campaigns to reframe surviving violence as a strength, and for community partners and practitioners to increase access to culturally competent and trauma-informed mental healthcare.

Changing patterns of penetrating neck injuries at a London-based level 1 major trauma centre: a five-year review.

Penetrating neck trauma is becoming a more frequently encountered presentation in UK emergency departments. Although largely attributable to violent crime, other aetiologies are on the rise. This study aimed to review changes in the pattern of penetrating neck injury (PNI) over a five-year period at our level 1 major trauma centre. Data were retrospectively collected on all patients presenting to the emergency department with PNIs between 2016 and 2021. The number of these injuries doubled between 2016 and 2021, accounting for 11% of all penetrating trauma in 2021. The majority of patients were male (87%). Violence remained the predominant aetiology but numbers of self-harm-related PNIs trebled between 2018 and 2021. PNIs are on the rise. These injuries remain complex to manage and require a multidisciplinary approach. Tackling violent crime remains essential in combating PNIs, but focus must also be placed on identifying and supporting individuals most at risk of deliberate self-harm from a deterioration in mental health.

Do we want to know the enormity of women's severe menstrual disorders and chronic pelvic pain?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to call for a nationwide study to assess the prevalence and incidence of women health problems related to menstrual disorders and severe pelvic pain. RATIONALE: The exact prevalence and incidence of endometriosis, adenomyosis, severe painful menstrual disorders, and of severe chronic pelvic pain are unknown. These issues severely impact women's quality of life and represent huge costs for our societies. Using adapted questionnaires, recent progresses in diagnosis and increased fundings announced by politicians, we can and should change this situation by performing a nationwide study to assess prevalence and incidence of these women problems in the French general population. The huge, anticipated costs of this study do appear quite reasonable when accounting for the enormous costs and societal consequences of endometriosis, menstrual disorders and severe pelvic pain. CONCLUSION: These long-awaited data will improve our understanding of the causes, consequences, and natural history of endometriosis. These data will allow women to better understand that pain is not always related to endometriosis, thus preventing unjustified fears. Physicians will be able to adapt and improve medical managements, particularly the diagnosis. Politicians will have the tools to improve women's health and gender equality.

Traumatic Life Events, Violence, and Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study from 408 Patients Enrolled in a Bariatric Surgery Program.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a chronic disease that increases cardiovascular and metabolic morbidity and mortality, decreases quality of life, and increases health care costs. While the role of lifestyle behavioral factors in the development of obesity is well established, the role of traumatic life events, including violence, is unclear. The purpose of this study was to describe situations of traumatic life events reported by patients undergoing a bariatric surgery program, with a particular focus on sexual violence and its clinical correlates. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, patients with grade II or III obesity, admitted to our digestive surgery department for bariatric surgery from August 01, 2019, to December 31, 2020, underwent a structured interview by a trained psychologist to describe the history of traumatic life events self-reported by the patients. The primary endpoint was the presence of a history of sexual violence (SV). Multivariate logistic regressions were applied to identify independent risk factors for SV. RESULTS: Of the 408 patients interviewed, 87.1% reported at least one traumatic life event and 33.1% reported having had an SV in the past. Female gender (aOR = 7.44, 95% confidence interval: 3.85-15.73; p < 0.001) and higher body mass index (1.05, 1.02-1.08; p = 0.002) were associated with an increased risk of SV. Male gender was associated with a higher risk of difficulties including sports cessation, depression, and work-related distress. CONCLUSION: In the context of obesity, psychosocial trauma is characterized by a high frequency and several gender specificities that must be taken into account in the management of these patients.

An exploratory study of the prevalence and adverse associations of in-school traditional bullying and cyberbullying among adolescents in Connecticut.

Bullying, traditional or cyber, among adolescents, is a public health concern. In this study, we explored frequencies and correlates of different forms of bullying among Connecticut high-school students. Youth Risk Behavior Survey data from 2019 from Connecticut adolescents (N = 1814) were used. χ2 tests and survey-weighted logistic regressions examined relationships between bullying subgroups (in-school traditional bullying (ISTB) only, cyberbullying only, and both) and mental concerns, risk behaviors, academic performance, physical health, and receipt of social support, with the logistic regressions adjusted for demographics. The past-12-month frequency of having experienced only cyberbullying was 5.6%, only ISTB was 9.1%, and both forms was 8.7%. Between-group differences were observed by bullying status in terms of sex and race/ethnicity. In adjusted models, bullying status was associated with suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, self-harm, depression/dysphoria, mental health, use of alcohol, marijuana, injection drugs, tobacco, and e-vapor, gambling, driving under influence of alcohol, high-risk sexual behavior, physical fights, weapon-carrying, injuries/threats at school, feeling unsafe at school, dating violence, obesity, poor general health, insecure housing, less perceived family support, and poor academic performance. People experiencing both types of bullying were typically more likely to report adverse measures. High-school students commonly report bullying. The findings that both forms (traditional and cyber) were more robustly linked to negative experiences highlight the need for examining further relationships between types and patterns of bullying and mental health and functioning. Better understanding may help improve preventive anti-bullying interventions.

Factors affecting the choice of medical specialties in Turkiye: an analysis based on cross-sectional survey of medical graduates.

BACKGROUND: Modern healthcare systems require the right mix of medical specialties for effective provision of high-quality services. Despite increased availability of general physicians and specialists, Türkiye lags behind high-income countries in terms of availability of specialists. The purpose of the study is to identify several specific factors that affect the choice of medical specialization. METHODS: All 350 medical school graduates in a specialty examination preparation bootcamp were requested to participate in the survey and 333 completed the self-administered questionnaire. The survey asked questions about factors affecting choice of medical specialty by medical graduates. RESULTS: The empirical results indicate that surgical specialties, compared to other broad medical specializations, are selected because of its higher income-earning potential and social prestige. The likelihood of selecting surgical specialties is negatively affected by rigorousness of the training program, high work-load, risk of malpractice lawsuits and risk of workplace violence. Male participants were 2.8 times more likely to select surgery specialty compared to basic medical science. Basic medical science areas were selected at a higher rate by female graduates and graduates with high level of academic performance in medical schools. CONCLUSIONS: It is critically important to improve trust and inter-personal communications between the patients and physicians in all specialties to lower the likelihood of malpractice lawsuits and workplace violence. Policy-makers may adopt policies to affect income earning potential and social prestige of targeted specializations to improve their supply.

Violência doméstica: a pandemia de covid-19 provocou subnotificação de casos e/ou aumento de sua ocorrência? / Violencia doméstica: ¿la pandemia covid-19 ha causado un subreporte de casos y/o un aumento en su ocurrencia? / Domestic violence: has the covid-19 pandemic caused under-reporting of cases and/or an increase in their occurrence?

Introdução: O cenário pandêmico trouxe à tona e de forma potencializada alguns indicadores preocupantes acerca da violência domésticacontra a mulher.Dessa maneira, questiona-se: a pandemia de COVID-19 provocou diferença no número de ocorrências de casos de Violência Doméstica?Objetivo:Comparar a ocorrência de casos de violência doméstica contra mulheres em um estado brasileiro nos períodos de 2015 a 2018 e 2019a 2021 segundo dados da Polícia Civil do estado.Metodologia:Trata-se de um estudo documental e descritivo, realizado com dados secundários. As informações foram colhidas através da ouvidoria da Polícia Civil em 11 de março de 2021,a partir dos registros de boletins de ocorrências policiais sobre violência doméstica contra a mulher dos anos de 2015 a 2021.Resultados:Durante os anos de 2015 a 2021 foram registrados um total de 26.671 boletins de ocorrência por violência contra a mulher. De 2015 a 2018,a média mensal foi de 360,1ocorrênciase durante a pandemia, de 2019 a 2021, a média mensal foi de 360,9ocorrências. Notou-se um discreto aumento na quantidade de boletins de ocorrência feito durante a pandemia deCOVID-19, com destaque para 2020, que apresentou média mensal de 387,4ocorrências, período mais recrudescido da pandemia. A principal violência perpetrada foi a lesão corporal dolosa principalmente contra mulheres de 18 a 24 anos, que trabalhavam em casa ou estavam desempregadas.Conclusão:Apesar da falta de diferenças expressivas entre os anos pré e pós-pandemia, a análise reforça a urgência de discutir os fatores subjacentes à violência contra a mulher, especialmente a violência doméstica. Destaca-se a importância de medidas preventivas e de apoio às vítimas para enfrentar esse problema social. É essencial promover políticas visando uma sociedade mais segura e igualitária para todas as mulheres (AU).

Introduction:The pandemic scenario has brought to light, and in a intesified manner, some concerning indicators regarding domestic violence against women. Thus, the question arises: did the COVID-19 pandemic make a difference in the number of domestic violence cases? Objective: To compare the occurrence of domestic violence cases against Brazilian women in the periods from 2015 to 2018 and 2019 to 2021 according to data from the state's Civil Police. Methodology: This is a documentary and descriptive study, conducted with secondary data. The information was collected through the Civil Police ombudsman on March 11, 2021, based on police reports of domestic violence against women from 2015 to 2021. Results: During the year of 2015 to 2021, a total of 26,671 police reports of violence against women were registered. From 2015 to 2018, the monthly average was 360.1 occurrences, and during the pandemic, from 2019 to 2021, the monthly average was 360.9 occurrences. There was a slight increase in the number of police reports during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a peak in 2020, which had a monthly average of 387.4 occurrences, the most intense period of the pandemic. The main violence perpetrated was intentional bodily harm, mainly against women aged 18 to 24, who were either working from home or unemployed. Conclusion: Despite the lack of significant differences between pre and post-pandemic years, the analysis reinforces the urgency of discussing the underlying factors of violence against women, especially domestic violence. The importance of preventive measures and support for victims to address this social problem is emphasized. It is essential to promote policies aimed at a more equal and safer society for all women (AU).

Introducción: El escenario pandémico ha sacado a la luz algunos indicadores preocupantes sobre la violencia doméstica contra las mujeres. Entonces, surge la pregunta: ¿la pandemia de COVID-19 ha provocado una diferencia en el número de ocurrencias de casos de Violencia Doméstica?Objetivo:Comparar la ocurrencia de casos de violencia doméstica contra las mujeres en un estado brasileño en los períodos de 2015 a2018 y de 2019 a 2021 según datos de la Policía Civil del estado. Metodología:Se trata de un estudio documental y descriptivo, realizado con datos secundarios. La información fue recabada a través de la Defensoría del Pueblo de la Policía Civil el 11 de marzo de 2021,a partir de los registros de las denuncias policiales sobre violencia intrafamiliar contra las mujeres de 2015 a 2021.Resultados:De 2015 a 2021 se presentaron un total de 26.671 denuncias policiales por violencia contra las mujeres. De 2015 a 2018, el promedio mensual fue de 360,1 ocurrencias y durante la pandemia, de 2019 a 2021, el promedio mensual fue de 360,9 ocurrencias. Hubo un ligero aumento en el número de denuncias policiales realizadas durante la pandemia de COVID-19, especialmente en 2020, que tuvo un promedio mensual de 387,4 ocurrencias, el período más severo de la pandemia. La principal violencia perpetrada fueron lesiones corporales intencionales, principalmente contra mujeres de 18 a 24 años, que trabajaban en el hogar o estaban desempleadas.Conclusión:A pesar de la falta de diferencias significativas entre los años pre y post pandemia, el análisis refuerza la urgencia de discutir los factores que subyacen a la violencia contra las mujeres, especialmente la violencia doméstica. Se destaca la importancia de las medidas preventivas y de apoyo a las víctimas para hacer frente a esta problemática social. Es esencial promover políticas encaminadas a lograr una sociedad más segura e igualitaria para todas las mujeres (AU).

Causal Pathways Between the Acute Experience of Violence During Pregnancy and Fetal Intrauterine Growth Restriction: A Cohort Study.

Introduction: Violence during pregnancy (VDP) is a prevalent global issue with dire consequences for the mother and the developing fetus. These consequences include prematurity, low birthweight, and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), but its pathways remain elusive. This study investigated the causal pathways between VDP and IUGR using mediation analysis. Methods: A prospective population-based birth cohort was followed from the beginning of the third gestational trimester to the second year of life. IUGR was defined by the Kramer index, and information on VDP was collected using the WHO-Violence Against Women (WHO VAW) questionnaire. Cases were considered positive only when no other life episodes were reported. Ten different mediators were analyzed as possible pathways based on previous research. Path analysis was conducted to evaluate these relationships. Results: The path analysis model included 755 dyads and presented an adequate fit. Violence during pregnancy showed a direct effect (ß = -0.195, p = 0.041) and a total effect (ß = -0.276, p = 0.003) on IUGR. Violence was associated with gestational depression or anxiety, tobacco and alcohol consumption, changes in blood pressure, and the need for emergency care, but these did not constitute mediators of its effect on IUGR. The sum of the indirect effects, however, showed a significant association with IUGR (ß = -0.081, p = 0.011). Conclusion: The acute experience of violence during pregnancy was associated with IUGR, primarily via a direct pathway. An indirect effect was also present but not mediated through the variables analyzed in this study. The robust strength of these associations underscores the negative health consequences of violence against women for the succeeding generation.

The Chickahominy T.R.U.T.H. (Trust, Research, Understand, Teach, and Heal) Project-A Tribal Community-Academic Partnership for Understanding the Impact of Structural Factors on Perceived Cancer Risk in Rural Virginia.

In 2022, the Virginia Chickahominy Indian Tribe partnered with Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center to investigate concerns about a potential cancer cluster near a local landfill. While investigating cancer clusters is complex due to long latency and multifactorial causes, the community's concerns about structural factors driving cancer risk warrant exploration. Thus, the Chickahominy T.R.U.T.H. (Trust, Research, Understand, Teach, and Heal) Project was created as a community-academic partnership to (1) identify structural factors and barriers associated with perceived cancer risk and care; (2) assess cancer knowledge, care access gaps, and perceived risks, including testing private and community water sources; (3) develop and deploy culturally tailored cancer education and resource navigation, including groundwater safety education, policies, and remediation. We will conduct 150 in-person interviews and water tests among residents within a four-mile radius of the landfill, and deploy 1000 structured questionnaires among Charles City County residents. In this paper, we provide an overview of the ongoing project design, development, and progress in support of the project's objectives. This collaborative investigation aims to address cancer health disparities, enhance research and health policy advocacy, and honor the sacred knowledge of an underserved community, laying the groundwork for a long-term partnership to guide future research questions.

Experience of social harms among female sex workers following HIV self-test distribution in Malawi: results of a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In Malawi, female sex workers (FSW) have high HIV incidence and regular testing is suggested. HIV self-testing (HIVST) is a safe and acceptable alternative to standard testing services. This study assessed; whether social harms were more likely to be reported after HIVST distribution to FSW by peer distributors than after facility-based HIV testing and whether FSW regretted HIVST use or experienced associated relationship problems. METHODS: Peer HIVST distributors, who were FSW, were recruited in Blantyre district, Malawi between February and July 2017. Among HIVST recipients a prospective cohort was recruited. Interviews were conducted at baseline and at end-line, 3 months later. Participants completed daily sexual activity diaries. End-line data were analysed using logistic regression to assess whether regret or relationship problems were associated with HIVST use. Sexual activity data were analysed using Generalised Estimating Equations to assess whether HIVST use was temporally associated with an increase in social harms. RESULTS: Of 265 FSW recruited and offered HIVST, 131 completed both interviews. Of these, 31/131(23.7%) reported initial regret after HIVST use, this reduced to 23/131(17.6%) at the 3-month follow-up. Relationship problems were reported by 12/131(9.2%). Regret about HIVST use was less commonly reported in those aged 26-35 years compared to those aged 16-25 years (OR immediate regret-0.40 95% CI 0.16-1.01) (OR current regret-0.22 95% CI 0.07 - 0.71) and was not associated with the HIVST result. There was limited evidence that reports of verbal abuse perpetrated by clients in the week following HIVST use were greater than when there was no testing in the preceding week. There was no evidence for increases in any other social harms. There was some evidence of coercion to test, most commonly initiated by the peer distributor. CONCLUSIONS: Little evidence was found that the peer distribution model was associated with increased levels of social harms, however programmes aimed at reaching FSW need to carefully consider possible unintended consequences of their service delivery approaches, including the potential for peer distributors to coerce individuals to test or disclose their test results and alternative distribution models may need to be considered.

A commentary on domestic firearm violence against women (2018-2021).

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed some of our best and worst qualities as a country. This commentary on "Domestic Firearm Violence Against Women (2018-2021)" discusses weaknesses in federal legislation and proposes ways for states to fill these gaps.

A pandemia de COVID-19 e casos de violência doméstica: percepções de profissionais da atenção primária à saúde no contexto de isolamento social / The COVID-19 pandemic and cases of domestic violence: perceptions of primary healthcare professionals in the context of social isolation / La pandemia de COVID-19 y la violencia doméstica: percepción de los profesionales de atención primaria de salud en el contexto del aislamiento social

Objetivo: analisar as percepções de profissionais da atenção primária à saúde de Paranaguá/PR sobre as relações entre a pandemia de COVID-19 e casos de violência doméstica em seus territórios adscritos, identificando desafios na abordagem, impactos nas famílias e manejo dos casos. Metodologia: pesquisa qualitativa com entrevistas semiestruturadas e grupos focais com 36 profissionais de duas unidades básicas de saúde de Paranaguá, litoral paranaense. Resultados: profissionais da atenção primária à saúde foram unânimes em relatar o aumento no número de casos de violência doméstica naquelas comunidades, com impactos tanto para mulheres, quanto para crianças e adolescentes, sendo o fechamento das escolas um fator agravante. Como principais desafios, foram reportados: a desestruturação da atenção primária à saúde durante o auge da pandemia com deslocamento de profissionais e recursos; desinformação sobre fluxos de encaminhamento nos casos de violência doméstica na rede intersetorial; medo dos profissionais, tanto da pandemia, quanto de denunciar casos de violência doméstica; e rotatividade de profissionais. Conclusão: o período de isolamento social causado pela pandemia intensificou os casos de violência doméstica segundo as percepções de profissionais da atenção primária à saúde de Paranaguá. O desmonte da rede intersetorial prejudicou ainda mais o cuidado de pessoas em situação de vulnerabilidade e/ou violência. A ausência de diretrizes nacionais do governo federal deixou municípios e profissionais da atenção primária à saúde à própria sorte para lidar com o problema.

Objective: to analyze the perceptions of primary health care professionals in Paranaguá/PR about the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and cases of domestic violence in their assigned territories, identifying challenges in the approach, impacts on families and case management. Methodology: qualitative research was conducted using semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 36 professionals from two primary health care units in Paranaguá, on the Paraná coast. Results: primary health care professionals unanimously reported an increase in the number of domestic violence cases in those communities, affecting women, children, and adolescents, with the closure of schools identified as an aggravating factor. The main challenges highlighted were the disruption of primary health care services during the peak of the pandemic due to the reallocation of professionals and resources; misinformation about referral processes for domestic violence cases within the intersectoral network; fear among professionals regarding the pandemic and reporting domestic violence cases; and high staff turnover. Conclusion: the period of social isolation caused by the pandemic intensified domestic violence cases, according to the perceptions of primary health care professionals in Paranaguá. The dismantling of the intersectoral network further compromised the care of individuals in situations of vulnerability and/or violence. The absence of national guidelines from the federal government left municipalities and primary health care professionals on their own to deal with the issue.

Objetivo: analizar las percepciones de los profesionales de la atención primaria de salud de Paranaguá/PR sobre las relaciones entre la pandemia de COVID-19 y los casos de violencia doméstica en sus territorios asignados, identificando desafíos en el abordaje, impactos en las familias y gestión de casos. Metodología: investigación cualitativa con entrevistas semiestructuradas y grupos focales con 36 profesionales de dos unidades básicas de salud de Paranaguá, en la costa de Paraná. Resultados: los profesionales de la atención primaria de salud fueron unánimes al reportar el aumento del número de casos de violencia doméstica en esas comunidades, con afectaciones tanto a mujeres, niños y adolescentes, siendo el cierre de escuelas un agravante. Se informaron los principales desafíos: la interrupción de la atención primaria de salud durante el apogeo de la pandemia con el desplazamiento de profesionales y recursos; desinformación sobre los flujos de derivación de casos de violencia doméstica en la red intersectorial; miedo entre los profesionales, tanto a la pandemia como a denunciar casos de violencia doméstica; y rotación profesional. Conclusión: el período de aislamiento social provocado por la pandemia intensificó los casos de violencia doméstica según la percepción de los profesionales de la atención primaria de salud en Paranaguá. El desmantelamiento de la red intersectorial perjudicó aún más la atención a personas en situación de vulnerabilidad y/o violencia. La ausencia de directrices nacionales por parte del gobierno federal dejó a los municipios y a los profesionales de atención primaria de salud a su suerte a la hora de abordar el problema.

Cuidado na Atenção Primária à Saúde às mulheres em situação de violência: estudo bibliométrico na Web of Science / Care in Primary Health Care for women in situation of violence: bibliometric study in the Web of Science / Cuidado en la Atención Primaria de Salud a mujeres em situación de violencia: estudio bibliométrico en la Web of Science

O estudo apresentado neste artigo objetivou descrever a produção científica entre 2012 e 2022 sobre o cuidado médico na Atenção Primária à Saúde a mulheres em situação de violência. Trata-se de um estudo bibliométrico e descritivo de abordagem quantitativa, a partir de publicações indexadas na base de dados Web of Science mediante o uso dos descritores "Violence Against Women", "Medical Care", "Primary Health Care". Diante do que foi analisado, é perceptível uma falta de priorização de estratégias de cuidados pelos serviços de saúde, apesar de uma produção científica consideravelmente importante, bem como uma falta de atuação de alguns nichos dos profissionais de saúde. O desenho metodológico permitiu um mapeamento do perfil dos estudos voltados para a temática, assim como a necessidade de estudos sobre intervenções multidisciplinares, em especial o cuidado médico, na Atenção Primária à Saúde, a mulheres em situação de violência.

The study presented in this article aimed to describe the scientific production between 2012 and 2022 on medical care in Primary Health Care for women in situations of violence. This is a bibliometric and descriptive study of quantitative approach, from publications indexed in the Web of Science database through the use of the follow descriptors: "Violence Against Women", "Medical Care", "Primary Health Care". In the light of what has been analyzed, it is visible a lack of prioritisation of care strategies by the health services, despite a considerably important scientific production, as well as a lack of action by certain niches of health professionals. The methodological design made it possible to map out the profile of studies on the subject, as well as the need for studies on multidisciplinary interventions, especially the medical care by health services in Primary Health Care for women in situations of violence.

El estudio presentado en este artículo tuvo como objetivo describir la producción científica entre 2012 y 2022 sobre el cuidado médico en la Atención Primaria de Salud a mujeres en situación de violencia. Se trata de un estudio bibliométrico y descriptivo con enfoque cuantitativo, basado en publicaciones indexadas en la base de datos Web of Science utilizando el descriptores "Violence Against Women", "Medical Care", "Primary Health Care". Frente a lo analizado, es notoria una falta de priorización de las estrategias de atención por parte de los servicios de salud, a pesar de una producción científica considerable y importante, así como de una falta de actuación de determinados nichos de profesionales de la salud. El diseño metodológico permitió mapear el perfil de los estudios acerca del tema, así como la necesidad de estudios sobre intervenciones multidisciplinarias, especialmente el cuidado médico en los servicios de salud de la Atención Primaria de Salud a mujeres en situación de violencia.

Patterns of firearm related injury in the elderly: A single institution analysis.

BACKGROUND: Firearm-related violence (FRV) is a public health crisis in the United States that impacts individuals across the lifespan. This study sought to investigate patterns of injury and outcomes of firearm-related injury (FRI) in elderly victims and the impact of social determinants of health on this age demographic. METHODS: A retrospective review of the trauma registry at a large Level I center was performed from 2016-2021. Patients over age 18 were included and FRI was defined by ICD 9 and 10 codes. Comparisons were then made between elderly (age > 65 years) and non-elderly (age 18-64 years) victims. The primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes included hospital and intensive care unit length of stay, in-hospital complications and the impact of distressed community index (DCI) and insurance status on discharge disposition. RESULTS: 23,975 patients were admitted for traumatic injury and 4,133 (6 %) were elderly. Of these, 134 had penetrating injuries and 72 (54 %) were FRI. The elderly patients had a median age of 69y and they were predominantly black (50 %) males (85%). Over 75 % had some form of government insurance compared to less than 20% in non-elderly (p<0.001). 33 % of elderly FRIs were self-inflicted compared to only 4 % in the non-elderly cohort and their overall mortality rate was 25 % versus 15 % in non-elderly with FRI (p = 0.038). The median DCI for the non-elderly victims was 72.3 [IQR 53.7-93.1] compared to 63.7 [IQR 33.2-83.6] in the elderly (p < 0.001), however, over 50 % of elderly victims were living in "at risk" or "distressed" communities. CONCLUSION: FRV is a public health crisis across the lifespan and elderly individuals represent a vulnerable subset of patients with unique needs and public health considerations. While many interventions target youth and young adults, it is imperative to not overlook the elderly in injury prevention efforts, particularly self-directed violence. Additionally, given most elderly victims were on government funded insurance and had a higher likelihood of requiring more costly discharge dispositions, new policies should take into consideration the potential financial burden of FRV in the elderly.

Mental Telehealth Utilization Patterns Among High School Students from Racial and Ethnic Minority Backgrounds Affected by Violence and Substance Use.

BACKGROUND: Recent data show high school students from racial and ethnic minority (REM) backgrounds in the United States confront a twofold challenge, marked by the highest rates of firearm-related homicides since 1994 and increased youth substance use. The pandemic increased online and telehealth usage opportunities for at-risk REM youth. Therefore, this study investigated (1) the frequency and prevalence of co-occurring youth violence and substance use among REM adolescents, (2) racial/ethnic, age, and natal sex (as gender data was not collected) differences in patterns and trends in co-occurring youth violence and substance use among REM adolescents, and (3) the relationship between these syndemic issues and REM adolescent mental telehealth use during the pandemic. METHODS: Data was sourced from a nationally representative sample of U.S. 9th-12th students (n = 3241) who completed the CDC's 2021 Adolescent and Behavioral Experiences Survey (ABES). Using univariate (frequency distribution), bivariate (Pearson's chi-squared test), and multivariate logistic regression models, we examined seven violence victimization outcomes, four violence perpetration outcomes, two family violence outcomes, and six substance use outcomes and their associations with telehealth use for mental health (dependent variable) among REM adolescents. RESULTS: This sample was primarily female (50.7%), Black or African American (48.3%), Hispanic or Latinx (20.6%), and identified as straight or heterosexual (69.5%). The study found significant sex-based differences in violence perpetration/victimization, substance use, and telehealth use for mental health. In general, mental telehealth use was significantly associated with substance use among REM adolescents (cigarette smoking, vaping, alcohol, marijuana, prescription meds, and illicit drug use) (p-value = .001). Mental telehealth use was also significantly associated with all peer and family violence outcomes (p < 0.001). Controlling for covariates, gun carrying was associated with 4.8 times higher odds of using mental telehealth. Students in a physical fight or carrying a weapon (gun, knife, or club) on school property had 2.45 times and 8.09 times the odds of utilizing mental telehealth. Bullied students were 2.5 times more likely to use mental telehealth (p-value < 0.05). Illicit drug use (cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and ecstasy) was associated with a higher likelihood of mental telehealth use (AOR = 1.3, p-value = .05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest crucial insights for shaping violence and substance use prevention strategies, with implications for the future of online and telehealth behavioral services. Mental telehealth help-seeking emerges as a crucial avenue for supporting adolescents affected by violence and substance use, especially when they face obstacles to accessing traditional services. It can work in tandem with in-person services to address these challenges.

Exposure to Neighborhood Violence and Gun Carrying Among Adolescents in the United States: Findings From A Population-Based Study.

Although studies have investigated and found an association between victimization and weapon carrying, few studies have examined the association between exposure to neighborhood violence (NV) and gun carrying among adolescents. The objective of this study was to examine the cross-sectional association between exposure to NV and gun carrying among adolescents. Data for this study came from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. An analytic sample of 17,033 adolescents aged 14 to 18 years old (51.7% male) was analyzed using logistic regression with complementary log-log link function. The outcome variable investigated in this study is gun carrying and was measured as a binary variable, whereas the main explanatory variable examined in this study was exposure to NV, which was also measured as a binary variable. Of the 17,033 adolescents, 4.2% carried a weapon during the past year, and 18.7% were exposed to NV. Controlling for the effects of other factors, adolescents who were exposed to NV had more than double the odds of carrying a gun when compared to their counterparts not exposed to NV (adjusted odds ratio = 2.33, 95% Confidence Intervals [1.69, 3.23]). Other significant factors associated with gun carrying include being a male, non-Hispanic Black, being threatened or injured with a weapon, use of alcohol, cigarette smoking, and misuse of prescription opioids. High parental monitoring was protective against gun carrying. The findings of this study underscore the importance of developing age-appropriate intervention strategies to reduce gun carrying among adolescents. School counselors and other professionals working with adolescents in disadvantaged neighborhoods should actively engage parents in assessments and interventions.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and the Risk of Multiple Sclerosis Development: A Review of Potential Mechanisms.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, contribute to long-term systemic toxic stress and inflammation that may last well into adulthood. Such early-life stressors have been associated with increased susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS) in observational studies and with the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in animal models. In this review, we summarize the evidence for an ACE-mediated increase in MS risk, as well as the potential mechanisms for this association. ACEs dysregulate neurodevelopment, stress responses, and immune reactivity; they also alter the interplay between the immune system and neural networks. All of this may be relevant for MS risk. We further discuss how ACEs induce epigenetic changes and how the toxic stress caused by ACEs may reactivate the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), a key risk factor for MS. We conclude by suggesting new initiatives to obtain further insights into this topic.

Domestic firearm violence against women (2018-2021).

Background: Over 50 % of US female homicides occur during domestic violence, with half involving firearms. Public health measures to control COVID-19 may have isolated individuals with abusive partners at a time when firearm sales and new firearm ownership surged. This study sought to evaluate trends in domestic firearm violence (DFV) over time, hypothesizing that rates of DFV increased in the wake of COVID-19. Materials and methods: A retrospective query of the Gun Violence Archive (2018-2021) was conducted for incidents of DFV. The primary outcome was the number of DFV-related shootings. Statistical testing, including one-way and two-way ANOVAs, was performed to compare monthly rates of DFV over time and to compare DFV per 100,000 women in states with strong versus weak gun laws. Results: Average monthly DFV incidents rose nationwide during this study's time period, though injuries and fatalities did not. States with weaker gun laws had increased incidents, deaths, and injuries from 2018 to 2021 (all p<0.05). In a two-way ANOVA, stronger gun laws were associated with fewer incidents of DFV when compared with weaker gun law states. We also found that the use of a long gun in DFV more often resulted in a victim's death when compared to a handgun (p<0.01). Conclusion: DFV incidents increased over time. States with weaker gun laws bore the brunt of the violence, demonstrating that DFV may be curtailed through legislative efforts. Methods of injury prevention aimed at preventing and reducing domestic violence and improving firearm safety may curtail DFV.

Prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence as factors associated with healthy lifestyles and violence in adolescents.

Adolescence is a stage of life characterised by vulnerability, which shapes young people's trajectories and potentially influences their behaviour. In this crucial period, the promotion of prosocial behaviours and the development of emotional intelligence are understood as key factors influencing adolescents' psychological and personal well-being. The general objective of this study was to find out the relationship between these two variables - prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence - and their correlation with the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle and another fundamental aspect such as violence among young people in the academic context. A total of 743 secondary school students participated in this research with a descriptive-cross-sectional design. This study used several instruments, including an ad hoc questionnaire to assess socio-demographic aspects and school violence, the Prosocial Behaviour Questionnaire (PBQ), the TMMS-24 for the assessment of Emotional Intelligence, the Healthy Lifestyles Questionnaire (HLQ-II) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SLS). The results highlighted a convincing link between the display of prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence with various dimensions of healthy living such as healthy diet or respect for mealtimes. In particular, the research revealed a pronounced correlation between adolescents who showed greater emotional repair and respect and their lower involvement in school violence and substance use. In addition, the likelihood of having a healthy life was found to be linked to variables such as being male, respect, social relationships and emotional repair. In contrast, the likelihood of having an excessive consumption of certain harmful substances such as alcohol or tobacco was found to be linked to age, empathy and emotional clarity. These results highlight the crucial role that prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence play in shaping adolescents' lives. In conclusion, the need to promote such variables as prosocial behaviours and emotional intelligence in adolescent students in order to promote healthy lifestyles and reduce school violence and substance use in this age group is discussed.