Race, Ethnicity, and Language of Patients Screened for Violence against Persons at a Safety-Net Hospital

Abstract

ABSTRACT Differences in violent victimization and screening implementation across demographic groups expand the health disparities gap for persons of color. This study evaluated disparities across racial/ethnic identities and languages by comparing the prevalence of types of violence against persons (VAP) and assessing screening/referral patterns of a safety-net patient population. The sample included patients with an emergency department visit during VAP screening protocol implementation in January–July, 2021. Electronic health records were used to assess screening rates and victim services utilization with univariate and bivariate statistics across patient characteristics. Seventy-one percent (71.19%) of encounters (n = 45,376) across 63,737 unique adults were screened for VAP. Most patients screened were Hispanic (52.02%) and English was the most common language spoken (65.74%). Two percent of encounters had a positive screen for VAP (n = 1,312). Spanish-speaking patients were more likely to agree to engage in victim services. Hispanic and Spanish-speaking patients had the greatest odds of screening positive across all types of victimization compared to Non-Hispanic white. Black patients had higher odds of nursing staff indicating an appearance-based (OR = 3.42) and injury-based (OR = 2.14) sign of abuse. Addressing disparities in screening/referral processes can aid in identifying missed victims and improving access to services amongst diverse communities within healthcare settings.