Characteristics of Interpersonal Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Among Injured Adults Seeking Emergency Care in Nairobi, Kenya.

BACKGROUND

Interpersonal violence is a significant contributor to global morbidity, and affects young adults, particularly males. In Kenya, injuries, including those from interpersonal violence, are a leading cause of emergency department (ED) visits.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the frequency, demographics, and types of injuries caused by interpersonal and intimate partner violence among patients presenting to the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) ED in Nairobi, Kenya.

METHODS

This was a prospective cross-sectional study among injured adult patients presenting to the KNH ED.

RESULTS

Of 665 enrolled patients, 82% identified as male and the median age was 30 years. Among enrollees, 257 (39%) reported ever having experienced physical, sexual, and/or emotional violence. Seventy-one patients reported a history of intimate partner violence; more than half had experienced intimate partner violence within the past 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Research on interpersonal injuries in ED settings is lacking, but data from a single Kenyan ED reveals a significant portion of injured patients with a history of interpersonal and intimate partner violence.