Physical Assault Research Articles

Abstract TP143: Improving CT imaging in Non-Fatal strangulation Domestic Violence Victims

Introduction: The incidence of domestic violence (DV) can vary from 2 to 4 million in a year. Domestic violence can be broad in definition and not limited to physical assault. The role of the medical provider in caring for these patients can be difficult; studies suggest that less than 10% of these cases are diagnosed correctly in the emergency room. In collaboration with Brooklyn District Attorney office, we examined and designed a quality improvement study to look at the performance of CT imaging in non-fatal strangulation DV in the emergency department from 8/1/2021 to 3/31/2024 of all NYC Health and Hospitals System (NYCHH). The timely identification of arterial dissection can potentially lead to a decrease risk of stroke. Methods: We developed a non-fatal strangulation pathway in the emergency department for DV patients. We examined the use of CT head and CTA head and neck. The utilization of CT was monitored every quartile. Cases were abstracted with diagnoses of DV and asphyxiation. Strategies were employed to encourage and improve the utilization of pathway. Results: In total, 2163 domestic violence cases were abstracted from electronic medical records. 63% (n=1363) female 5.2% (113) male 31.7% (n=687) did not select for sex (NOA) The percentage of CT performance during 8/1/2021 through 3/31/2024 was 5.5% (116/2163). Upon further evaluation, the percentage of female cases imaged was 5.5% (75/116); by contrast, male cases were imaged at 24.8% (28/116), and NOA 1.9% (13/116). The odds ratio of CT performances in noted cases was 4.5 [95% CI 2.8016-7.2381], 13.0946 [6.5861-26.0349], 2.9 [1.6024-5.277], Male to female cases, male to NOA, and Female to NOA, respectively. Discussion: The literature on domestic violence range in incidence from 2 million to 4 million in a year. The identification of stroke risk factors from a domestic violence incident is a novel approach and has not been fully elucidated. Non-fatal strangulation is known to decrease cerebral perfusion; the risk of developing an arterial dissection is known. Arterial dissection is an independent risk factor for ischemic stroke. In this study, we have observed a low utilization of imaging to rule out dissection; there is a suggestion of disparity among the sexes in diagnosis. Conclusion: The observation from this study involving all hospitals in the NYCHH system reveals a need to better educate and improve diagnosis of domestic violence. This can lead to prompt intervention and medical stabilization.

Retrospective analysis of trauma patients transported by dispatch monitored type B ambulances to Dhulikhel Hospital, Kavre, Nepal, 2019–2023

BackgroundTimely emergency medical services (EMS) are particularly important among trauma patients, as inefficient EMS systems can result in potentially avoidable death before reaching a hospital. The Dhulikhel Hospital Dispatch Center coordinates and monitors a growing network of ambulances, including seven Type B ambulances staffed with a trained prehospital care provider and medical equipment. This study evaluates the prehospital care and outcomes of trauma patients transported by Type B ambulances to Dhulikhel Hospital’s Emergency Department, as monitored by the Dispatch Center.MethodsData were collected via a retrospective chart review of Dispatch Center records, including patient demographics, injury mechanisms, prehospital care, and outcomes. Patients were included if they experienced physical trauma and were transported by a Type B ambulance to Dhulikhel Hospital’s Emergency Department between 2019 and 2023.ResultsBetween 2019 and 2023, 224 trauma patients were transported to the hospital and received prehospital care services from Type B ambulances monitored by the Dispatch Center. Most patients were male (59%), and nearly half were aged 18–44 (49%). The median total transport time for Dhulikhel Hospital-owned Type B ambulances was 40 min. Type B ambulances reached patients across 24 municipalities (88% in Kavrepalanchowk and Sindupalchowk districts). Falls (55%) and road traffic accidents (30%) were the most common injury mechanisms, followed by physical assault (7%). Falls were significantly associated with female, pediatric, and geriatric patients (p < 0.05), while road traffic accidents predominated among males, particularly in adults aged 25–34 years (p < 0.05). Approximately one-third of patients admitted to the hospital after evaluation in the emergency department experienced multiple injuries, and the most prevalent diagnosis of admitted cases were extremity fractures (52%).ConclusionTrauma cases accounted for 15% (227/1541) of all patients who received transport and prehospital care services from a Type B ambulance monitored by the Dispatch Center between 2019 and 2023. This study demonstrates the critical role of Type B ambulances and an integrated dispatch center in advancing timely and efficient prehospital care for trauma patients in Nepal.

Heterosexual Partner Sexual Violence: Identifying Women Victims Through Questions on Sexual Coercion.

Intimate partner sexual violence is a serious problem and difficult to detect, often due to beliefs, myths and gender stereotypes. This study analyzes whether women identify this violence better through direct questions about sexual coercion, using the Semi-structured Interview for the Exploration of Intimate Partner Sexual Violence (EVS), which examines the characteristics and circumstances of these situations. A total of 110 women participated, divided into two groups: 80 who sought help at a center for victims of intimate partner violence and have therefore overcome common barriers to asking for help, and 30 who attended a counseling center during divorce proceedings, without having reported any form of violence. The results show that, among the women who sought help at a center for intimate partner violence and recognized having suffered sexual coercion in the EVS interview, half had already previously identified sexual violence, generally linked to physical assault, hitting furniture or shouting. The other half only identified sexual violence after being asked directly if they had been sexually coerced by their partner. In these cases, the types of coercion were threats or blackmail, without physical aggression. In the group of women in the process of divorce, one-third acknowledged having been also forced into sexual activities through subtle coercion, without physical violence. All women explicitly rejected forced sexual activities, but some participated passively or actively under duress, leading them to doubt whether these experiences were considered sexual violence. The study concludes that many women only acknowledge sexual violence when asked directly if they were forced by their partner, given that coercion without explicit aggression and participation under pressure make it difficult to identify it as violence. These findings underline the importance of asking specific questions to detect sexual violence, especially when coercion is not evident.

Effectiveness of the Palestinian Civil Police’s Accountability and Complaint System

Objectives: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the Palestinian Police’s accountability and complaints system, especially in light of the existing paradox in assessing the nature and role of the police. Essentially, the main goal of the police is to protect the rights and freedom of citizens; however, their authority might be abused by resorting to verbal and physical assaults against suspects and offenders under the pretext that these are essential to the task of crime control. Methods: The study uses the descriptive analytical approach, as well as the empirical method to obtain statistics and data provided by official and non-official human rights institutions. Interviews were held with decision-makers in the civil police force, relevant human rights organizations and international and foreign organizations situated in Palestine. Face-to-face and phone interviews were held with some victims who filed complaints against police officers. Results: The findings can be summarized by a lack of a clear conceptual structure and lack of coordination between accountability units. Moreover, the complaints system suffers from a duplication of complaints units across different institutions, which causes a depletion of the already scarce financial support. Conclusions: The study concludes that the Palestinian police should simplify the structure of the accountability and complaints system, ensure public access to accountability units, and pay particular attention to complaints filed by marginalized and vulnerable individuals, especially women, children and the physically challenged.

Nowhere to Feel Safe Anymore Mapping Public and Organisational Violence Against Journalists in Belgium

Violence against journalists is on the increase around the world: murders, physical assaults, verbal abuse, etc. (Brambila and Hughes 2019; Waisbord 2020). As this has been more likely to occur in countries in extreme risk situations (Frère 2015), the situation in Belgium has never quite been a cause for concern. However, in recent years, Belgian journalists have also been experiencing situations of violence. In a national survey, 5069 Belgian journalists were questioned, 27.5% of whom responded. This article focuses on three specific points: (a) considering the importance of diverse forms of violence (intimidation, verbal violence, physical assault and sexual transgressive behaviours); (b) identifying to what extent certain social and professional identities are more affected, by looking at the gender, age and professional status; (c) analysing the psychological, physical, professional, and legal consequences of this violence and the ways in which journalists react to and cope. Our contribution suggests to study violence against journalists as a whole, not just in public terms but also organisational terms. Finally, we discuss the different dimensions of violence: the experience of, the production of, the resignation to, and the resistance to violence in journalism.

Race/Ethnicity, Neurodivergence, and Odds of Staff Physical Assault in Youth Carceral Settings: Intersectional Analysis of Data from the National Survey of Youth in Custody

Race/Ethnicity, Neurodivergence, and Odds of Staff Physical Assault in Youth Carceral Settings: Intersectional Analysis of Data from the National Survey of Youth in Custody

Implementation and Evaluation of a High-Fidelity, Interprofessional Simulation Project Using Standardized Patients to Address Aggression in a Psychiatric Emergency Department.

Increased aggression in a regional Comprehensive Psychiatric Emergency Program (CPEP) led to a significant rise in physical assaults, restraints, and use of security personnel. Root cause analysis revealed a need for more extensive training on de-escalation, teamwork and communication. This quality improvement project evaluated the impact of an interprofessional, high-fidelity simulation project on interdisciplinary collaboration to manage de-escalation and aggression safely and effectively. Interdisciplinary team members (N = 171 nurses, psychiatrists, social workers, crisis specialists, and safety officers) participated in a 2.5-hr educational initiative that included Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) and Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) interventions, high-fidelity simulation using standardized patients, observation, and debriefing. Quantitative data collection and analysis included the use of the Confidence in Coping with Patient Aggression Instrument (CCPAI), TeamSTEPPS Perception Questionnaire (T-TPQ), pre-post data on restraints, injuries, and an educational survey. A qualitative analysis of debriefing themes was also performed. Statistically significant improvement was noted in individuals' confidence to manage aggression. In addition, data collected over a 5-month period before and after simulation demonstrated a 35% reduction in restraints and a 52% reduction in injuries. Interestingly, quantitative evidence revealed no changes in perceptions of teamwork. Results from the educational survey highlighted the positive impact of standardized patients and debriefing, and gaining new insights into patient care. Qualitative analysis of debriefing themes revealed educational opportunities to improve communication, role clarity, de-escalation, and insights into patient impact. The use of high-fidelity simulation with standardized patients has the potential to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration to safely manage aggression in an acute psychiatric setting.

Neurological Manifestations Following Traumatic Brain Injury: Role of Behavioral, Neuroinflammation, Excitotoxicity, Nrf-2 and Nitric Oxide.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is attributed to a forceful impact on the brain caused by sharp, penetrating bodies, like bullets and any sharp object. Some popular instances like falls, traffic accidents, physical assaults, and athletic injuries frequently cause TBI. TBI is the primary cause of both mortality and disability among young children and adults. Several individuals experience psychiatric problems, including cognitive dysfunction, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety, after primary injury. Behavioral changes post TBI include cognitive deficits and emotional instability (anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder). These alterations are linked to neuroinflammatory processes. On the other hand, the direct impact mitigates inflammation insult by the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, exacerbating neuronal injury and contributing to neurodegeneration. During the excitotoxic phase, activation of glutamate subunits like NMDA enhances the influx of Ca2+ and leads to mitochondrial metabolic impairment and calpain-mediated cytoskeletal disassembly. TBI pathological insult is also linked to transcriptional response suppression Nrf-2, which plays a critical role against TBI-induced oxidative stress. Activation of NRF-2 enhances the expression of anti-oxidant enzymes, providing neuroprotection. A possible explanation for the elevated levels of NO is that the stimulation of NMDA receptors by glutamate leads to the influx of calcium in the postsynaptic region, activating NOS's constitutive isoforms.

A Cross-sectional study on workplace violence against doctors in Goa, a growing threat?

Introduction: Workplace violence (WPV) against healthcare professionals is a global concern, encompassing threats, verbal abuse, physical assaults, and even homicide. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and types of WPV experienced by doctors in Goa from January 2023 to December 2023, assess its psychosocial impact, and evaluate its influence on the quality of patient care. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted in December 2023 involving 270 Doctors of Modern Medicine practicing in Goa for at least one year. Participants were randomly selected and had a minimum qualification of a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. Data was collected through a semi-structured anonymous questionnaire administered via Google Forms. Statistical significance was determined using Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact tests. Results: The prevalence of WPV among doctors was 38.5%, with the highest occurrence in the 20–30 years age group (63.4%). Verbal abuse (36.2%) and threats (7.03%) were the most frequent forms of violence. Government-sector doctors (68.2%) faced higher incidences of WPV compared to their private-sector counterparts. Half of the participants who experienced WPV reported negative impacts on their personal and mental well-being. However, nearly all respondents stated that WPV did not compromise the quality of care they provided to patients. Conclusion: WPV is a significant issue for doctors in Goa, particularly among younger and government-sector practitioners. While WPV affects personal well-being, it does not seem to impact patient care, highlighting the urgent need for targeted preventive strategies.

Measurement invariance of the PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5 across eight countries and samples with diverse trauma experiences

AbstractThe PTSD Checklist for DSM‐5 (PCL‐5) is a well‐known tool for measuring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Although the tool has been translated into many different languages, only one study, conducted in European countries, has examined measurement invariance (MI) across these versions. The present study aimed to verify PCL‐5 MI in eight countries: Argentina, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Poland, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. All samples included at least 200 participants. Regarding trauma type, the highest number of individuals reported experiencing a traffic accident (n = 3,128) and/or physical assault (n = 2,609), and the fewest reported captivity (n = 575) and/or contributing to someone else's harm, injury, or death (n = 559). A symptom structure model based on DSM‐5 criteria showed a satisfactory fit to the data, χ2(164, N = 4,064) = 2,571.18, p &lt; .001, robust CFI = .931, robust RMSEA = .078, 90% CI [.075, .081], robust TLI = .920, SRMR = .037. Data fit and invariance were obtained with regard to identical structure and factor loadings (configural and metric invariance) as well as for the partial scalar invariance (equal intercepts). In all samples, PTSD symptoms were strongly or moderately positively correlated with levels of depressive, anxiety, and stress‐related symptoms and moderately or weakly positively correlated with COVID‐19–related stressors, emotional stability/neuroticism, and emotional reactivity. The results indicate that the PCL‐5 is a generally effective measure of universal indicators of PTSD across different countries.

O caso Joaquim Borges Rodrigues

This paper examines the case of Joaquim Borges Rodrigues, debated in the Provincial Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro in 1878, to explore the tensions and contradictions of the Brazilian slave system and the interpretation of the 1824 Constitution. In September 1878, inquiries led by police chief Pedro Augusto de Moura Carijó, involving severe physical assaults against enslaved individuals, generated significant controversy in Barra Mansa and sparked a heated debate in the Provincial Assembly. Deputy Joaquim Leite Ribeiro de Almeida opposed police intervention, defending property rights, while Deputy José Barbosa Torres supported the legality of police actions and the need for justice. An analysis of the parliamentary proceedings and a review of the literature, including works by both imperial-era and contemporary scholars, was crucial for understanding the power dynamics and legal interpretations at play in this case.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police cadets' exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events during the Cadet Training Program.

Lifetime exposures to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs) among Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) cadets starting the Cadet Training Program (CTP) appear lower than exposures reported by serving RCMP, but the prevalence of PPTE exposures during the CTP remains unknown. The current study assessed PPTE exposures during the CTP and examined associations with mental disorders among RCMP cadets. Participants were cadets (n = 449, 24.7% women) from the larger RCMP Longitudinal Study who self-reported critical incidents, PPTE exposures, and mental health disorder symptoms at pretraining and predeployment. Most participants reported no exposures to a PPTE (n = 374, 83.3%) during the CTP. Participants who reported any PPTE exposure (n = 75, 16.7%; i.e., direct or indirect) most commonly reported serious transport accidents, physical assault, and sudden accidental death. The most common direct PPTEs (i.e., "happened to me") during the CTP were physical assault (n = 13), other unwanted or uncomfortable sexual experience (n = 11), and serious transportation accident (n = 8). The total number of PPTE types reported at predeployment was associated with increased odds of screening positive for any mental health disorder, aOR = 1.22, 95% CI [1.01, 1.49], p =.049, and positively associated with mental health disorder symptoms, ps <.001. These results provide the first assessment of PPTE exposureamong RCMP cadets during the CTP, indicating that 16.7% of cadets experience PPTEs directly or indirectly. The PPTEs reported by cadets may help inform additional opportunities to further increase safety during training.

The Invisible Chains: Domestic Violence and Women’s Rights in Pakistan

Domestic violence is a pressing and emerging issue in Pakistan, deeply rooted in societal norms and power dynamics. This study aims to analyze the current state of domestic violence in the country and its profound impact on other family members. Conducted as a descriptive study, data was gathered from existing research reports, academic studies, and government and non-governmental organization publications. The findings reveal that men hold a dominant role in Pakistani society, wielding substantial power over domestic affairs, while women are often perceived as the weaker gender. This imbalance contributes to the alarming frequency of domestic violence cases reported daily. Common forms of domestic violence in Pakistan include physical abuse, murder, abduction, assault, acid attacks, and other violent acts. A significant driver behind this brutality is poverty, which exacerbates the patriarchal structure that dominates the culture. Domestic violence not only affects the victims but also has severe social and psychological repercussions on other family members, perpetuating cycles of trauma and instability within communities. The study concludes that domestic violence remains a persistent challenge in Pakistan, with detrimental effects on societal well-being.

Prevalence of Life Stressors and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Women in Iceland

Comprehensive data on the prevalence of various life stressors and their role in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among women are lacking. To determine the prevalence of a broad range of life stressors and their association with PTSD in a large nationally representative cohort of women. This cross-sectional analysis used data from the population-based Stress-And-Gene-Analysis, which invited women in Iceland to complete an online survey from March 1, 2018, to July 1, 2019. Participants were a nationally representative sample of women 18 to 69 years of age. This analysis was conducted from January 21, 2022, to September 13, 2024. History of 23 life stressors assessed with the Life Events Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) (DSM-5) and additional survey questions. The main outcome was probable PTSD during the past month assessed for the worst life stressor experienced as evaluated with the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5. Modified Poisson log-linear models were used to assess prevalence ratios (PRs) of PTSD by type of life stressor, adjusting for multiple covariates, including number of life stressors and time since the worst life stressor. Overall, 28 199 women participated in the study (mean [SD] age, 43.8 [13.7] years). The prevalence of life stressors varied substantially, ranging from 3.3% for war or armed conflict-related events to 66.4% for unwanted sexual experiences. The overall prevalence of probable PTSD was 15.9% and varied substantially across life stressor types. The highest prevalence of probable PTSD was for sexual assault (1427 of 3872 [36.9%]) and lowest for natural disasters (15 of 456 [3.3%]). Interpersonal trauma, specifically sexual assault (adjusted PR [APR], 6.66 [95% CI, 4.01-11.04]), other unwanted sexual experience (APR, 4.33 [95% CI, 2.53-7.42]), and physical assault (APR, 4.44 [95% CI, 2.63-7.49]) were associated with the highest prevalence increase of probable PTSD compared with natural disasters as the reference category. This cross-sectional study of 28 199 women in Iceland, which ranks highest globally in gender equality, found that sexual and physical assaults were among the most common life stressors reported and were associated with the highest prevalence of probable PTSD. The propensity of such trauma to result in PTSD calls for widespread societal efforts to prevent sexual and physical violence and reduce gender-based disparities in mental health.

Harms to children from men’s heavy drinking: A scoping review

Background: Research has examined a range of impacts of women’s drinking on children. However, fewer studies have addressed the consequences of men’s heavy drinking on children. This review aims to identify and describe the types of behaviours and actions that arise from men's drinking and are likely to cause harm to children and to identify and describe the types of harms that children experience that stem from men's drinking. Methods: Review articles from 1990 to September 2023 were included. Four health and social databases were searched for reviews that included terms relating to men, alcohol consumption, and child harms. From 1,873 identified articles, 19 articles met the criteria for inclusion. Results: Four broad topics were identified: relationships and families; violence and maltreatment; and health, social and education outcomes for children. Children may experience both direct and indirect harms associated with men’s drinking. The former includes examples where men’s drinking was linked to disinhibition, aggression, and physical assault. In the latter, men were absent resulting in being unavailable emotionally due to drinking. Internalising and externalising behaviours were common outcomes for children exposed to men’s drinking. Contextual factors such as poverty, cultural norms and patriarchal influences were interrelated and sometimes exacerbated harm to children from men’s drinking. Conclusions: This review highlights the immediate and longer-lasting consequences of men’s drinking for children, including family conflict, maltreatment, and emotional distress. Future studies should address gender disparities and consider the social factors present in cases where children are exposed to men’s drinking.

Eye on impact: An analysis of blunt ocular trauma cases at a tertiary eye care centre in South India

This study investigates the epidemiology, injury mechanisms, and clinical features of blunt ocular trauma. It aims to assess the prevalence of these injuries and the extent of vision loss among patients at a tertiary eye care center in South India.A retrospective observational study was conducted at a teaching hospital over four months, from June 2024 to September 2024. The study included 417 patients of all age groups who visited the outpatient department of a tertiary eye care center after experiencing blunt ocular trauma. Data were collected on the cause and circumstances of the injury, injury mechanism, clinical features, management, and visual outcomes.This study included 417 patients, with the majority falling into the 21–30 year age group. Men had a higher rate of eye injuries than women, and the most common cause of injury was road traffic accidents (35.97%). The predominant type of ocular injury was closed globe injuries, with an incidence of 95.92%. Additionally, 17.2% of the patients required surgical intervention.Most blunt ocular trauma is caused by road traffic accidents, followed by physical assaults, with young men being the most affected. This underscores the need for preventive measures, such as wearing helmets and avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol, to reduce the incidence of these injuries. Public awareness campaigns can play a vital role in promoting safety and protecting vulnerable populations.

The chain mediating role of parenting stress and child maltreatment in the association between maternal adverse childhood experiences and executive functions in preschool children: a longitudinal study

BackgroundPrevious researches found that maternal adverse childhood experiences not only affect the psychological behavior of preschool children, but also have direct or indirect negative effects on the executive functions and cognition of offspring. And, the possible social psychological mechanism between maternal adverse childhood experiences and preschool children’s executive functions is still not clear.ObjectivesThis study mainly tries to understand the association between parenting stress and child maltreatment in maternal adverse childhood experiences and children’s executive functions through longitudinal cohort.Participants and settingParticipants were 2160 preschool children and their mothers who finally completed baseline and 3 waves of follow-up.MethodsUsing a cohort study, a baseline survey of junior kindergartens was carried out in June 2021 and followed up every six months, with a total of 3 follow-ups.ResultsWe found that executive functions in preschoolers were significantly positively correlated with maternal adverse childhood experiences, parenting stress, physical assault, psychological aggression, neglect and nonviolent discipline (r = 0.180, 0.386, 0.274, 0.302, 0.189, 0.148, respectively, P < 0.01). Further, parenting stress and child maltreatment showed a chain mediating effect between maternal adverse childhood experiences and executive functions in preschoolers, and the total indirect effects accounted for 70.56%, 78.69%, 65.38%, and 68.07% of the total effect, respectively.ConclusionsThis study found that maternal adverse childhood experiences have a significant impact on the executive functions of preschool children, and parenting stress and child maltreatment are the mediating factors of their association, revealing the potential mechanism between the two associations from the perspective of social psychology.

Traumatic life events as predictors for depression in middle-aged men and women: A Finnish twin study

BackgroundWe examined exposure to adulthood traumatic life events (TLEs) and their associations with depression in women and men. Then we examined whether those associations are independent of exposure loading and vulnerability including familial confounding. MethodsThe fourth survey in 2011 of the population-based Finnish Twin Cohort had 8410 participants (45 % men, mean age 60 years). Using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, depression was defined using a cut-off value ≥20. Participants reported exposure to TLEs during adulthood. Logistic regression adjusted for multiple covariates was used as the individual-based analyses. Familial confounding was tested using conditional logistic regression in 399 twin pairs discordant for depression. ResultsMore women (15 %) than men (11 %) were depressed. Men reported more traffic accidents (men: 11.8 %, women: 7.4 %), other serious accidents (11.8 %, 5.8 %), and violent crime (3.1 %, 2.0 %) whereas women reported more sexual assault (0.7 %, 10.6 %). Violent crime (Odds Ratio 3.86; 95 % Confidence Intervals 2.59, 5.73), sexual assault (3.49; 2.67, 4.55), physical assault (3.10; 2.45, 3.93), and other serious accidents (1.36; 1.01, 1.85) were associated with depression. These associations, except other serious accidents, remained significant after adjusting for multiple covariates including shared familial factors. The associations did not differ by sex. LimitationsA relatively small set of relevant TLEs was reported retrospectively and the order of TLEs was not assessed. ConclusionsWomen and men differ in exposure to TLEs but, if exposed, they are equally vulnerable for depression. Because traumatic life events are robustly associated with depression, they should be considered in treatment.

Emotional Dysregulation and Worry as Mediators between Stressful Life Events and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Adult Mexican Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction. Women experience numerous episodes of adverse events, often linked to violence, which create emotional difficulties that contribute to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder. However, more research is required to understand the nature of post-traumatic reactions and the underlying psycho-emotional processes. Objective. To determine whether emotional dysregulation and worry mediate the relationship between the experience of stressful events and post-traumatic stress symptoms in a sample of adult Mexican women seeking online psychological treatment. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a non-probabilistic sample of 687 women ages 18 to 76. Results. The data show that emotional dysregulation mediated the relationship between the type of trauma and post-traumatic stress symptoms for illness- and death-related events, but not for other types of stressors, whereas worry mediated the association between sexual and physical assault and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Discussion and conclusion. This study contributes to current psychopathology models focused on the transdiagnostic perspective. The findings may guide interventions targeting emotion regulation and worry as modifiable risk factors for the development of post-traumatic stress.

Link between gender inequality and women’s satisfaction with maternal healthcare services: a cross-sectional study in Khulna, Bangladesh

BackgroundGender inequality within households remains a significant barrier to accessing maternal healthcare services in many low-resource settings, including Bangladesh. Understanding the relationship between the gender inequality faced by women in...