Injuries in the Maxillofacial Complex and Associated Factors in Brazilian Victims of Violence: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Objectives: This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of injuries in the maxillofacial complex of victims of violence attended by a Mobile Emergency Care Service in a municipality of Northeastern Brazil. Materials and Methods: A total of 2,347 records were evaluated from February 2014 to December 2016, of which 337 (14.3%) corresponded to victims of violence. Information related to sociodemographic profile, associated factors and violence was collected. Data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics, with significance level of 5%. Results: There was predominance of males (76.3%) and age group of 20-29 years (29.7%). Occurrences were more frequent at night (61.4%) and at the weekend (40.7%). Alcohol use was observed in 63.5% of victims and 16.0% reported illicit drug use, with predominance of crack (92.6%). The most prevalent type of aggression was physical violence (54.9%). The majority of victims presented a single lesion (72.7%) with predominance of laceration (80.4%). Cases of head and face injuries represented, respectively, 33.5% and 35.9% of aggressions. Face injuries showed association with gender (p = 0.027) and number of injuries (p = 0.042). Conclusions: The main victims of violence are young men who have used alcohol and illicit drugs. Physical aggression is the most frequent type of violence, with high occurrence of head and face injuries. Face injuries showed association with gender and number of lesions, both being more frequent among women.