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BMC Women's Health Jun 2024Teenage pregnancies are a global concern. Malawi is one of the countries with the highest teenage pregnancy rates despite government efforts to reverse the situation and...
BACKGROUND
Teenage pregnancies are a global concern. Malawi is one of the countries with the highest teenage pregnancy rates despite government efforts to reverse the situation and yet studies on determinants of teenage pregnancy are rare with some factors remaining unexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to identify factors associated with teenage pregnancies in Malawi.
METHODS
This was a community-based case-control study that used secondary data from the 2015-16 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey from all 28 districts of Malawi. The study population comprised women aged 20-24 who participated in the survey. The study ran from September 2021 to October 2022 and used a sample size of 3,435 participants who were all women aged 20-24 in the dataset who met the inclusion criteria. Data were analysed using Stata 16 software. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors. Variables with a P value of < 0.1 in the univariable analysis were included in the multivariable analyses, where statistical significance was obtained at a P value < 0. 05.
RESULTS
Data on 3435 participants were analysed. In multivariable analyses: no teenage marriage (AOR 0.13); secondary education (AOR 0.26); higher education (AOR 0.39); richest category of wealth index (AOR 0.51), use of contraception (AOR 3.08), domestic violence by father or mother (AOR 0.37) were found to be significant factors.
CONCLUSION
This study identified determinants of teenage pregnancy. The government has to sustain and expand initiatives that increase protection from teenage pregnancy, reinforce the implementation of amended marriage legislation, introduce policies to improve the socioeconomic status of vulnerable girls and increase contraceptive use among adolescent girls before their first pregnancy. Further research is also recommended to resolve inconclusive results.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy in Adolescence; Malawi; Pregnancy; Case-Control Studies; Adolescent; Young Adult; Contraception Behavior; Marriage; Socioeconomic Factors; Risk Factors; Educational Status; Contraception; Logistic Models
PubMed: 38851734
DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-03166-0 -
Archives of Dermatological Research Jun 2024Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are forms of abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction before the age of 18. We found individuals exposed to ACEs are at increased...
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are forms of abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction before the age of 18. We found individuals exposed to ACEs are at increased odds of receiving a melanoma diagnosis. ACEs range from people whose parents divorced in childhood (OR 1.64) to people who were physically hurt by their parents (OR 2.41).
Topics: Humans; Melanoma; Adverse Childhood Experiences; Female; Male; Skin Neoplasms; Child; Adult; Middle Aged; Adolescent; Risk Factors; Aged; Young Adult; Child Abuse
PubMed: 38850430
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-024-03150-6 -
Journal of Health Services Research &... Jun 2024To explore the technology-based tools available for supporting the identification of victims of domestic abuse and modern slavery in remote services and consider the... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To explore the technology-based tools available for supporting the identification of victims of domestic abuse and modern slavery in remote services and consider the benefits and challenges posed by the existing tools.
METHODS
We searched six academic databases. Studies were considered for inclusion if they were published in English between 2000 and 2023. The QuADS quality appraisal tool was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. A narrative synthesis was conducted using the convergent integrated approach.
RESULTS
Twenty-four studies were included, of which two were professional guidelines; each reported on a distinct technology-based tool for remote services. All tools related to domestic abuse and 21 focused on screening for intimate partner violence among young and mid-life women (18-65) in high-income countries. The review did not identify tools that support the identification of victims of modern slavery. We identified eight common themes of tool strengths, highlighting that the remote approach to screening was practical, acceptable to victims, and, in some circumstances, elicited better outcomes than face-to-face approaches. Five themes pointed to tool challenges, such as concerns around privacy and safety, and the inability of computerised tools to provide empathy and emotional support.
CONCLUSIONS
Available technology-based tools may support the identification of victims of domestic abuse by health and social care practitioners in remote services. However, it is important to be mindful of the limitations of such tools and the effects individuals' screening preferences can have on outcomes. Future research should focus on developing tools to support the identification of victims of modern slavery, as well as empirically validating tools for screening during remote consultations.
PubMed: 38849123
DOI: 10.1177/13558196241257864 -
Indian Journal of Public Health Jan 2024Violence against children within the family context is a global issue that has serious implications for children's well-being. In Indonesia, like the tip of an iceberg,...
BACKGROUND
Violence against children within the family context is a global issue that has serious implications for children's well-being. In Indonesia, like the tip of an iceberg, this violence is often underreported. However, this issue is prevalent in many countries worldwide. It is estimated that up to 1 billion children aged 2-17 years experienced physical, sexual, and emotional violence in the past year. Most of this violence occurs within the family, and this trend is also apparent in Indonesia.
OBJECTIVES
This research aims to describe the types, forms, and perpetrators of violence against children in Padang, Indonesia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This study utilizes a descriptive design with a population of elementary school-age children in Padang City. The population consists of 16,747 individuals, with a margin of error of 3%. The sample size was determined using the Slovin formula, resulting in a sample of approximately 1000 individuals. Data were collected from October to December 2022 through two types of questionnaires, one describing respondent demographics and the other containing questions about the forms of violence perpetrated by parents. Data collection was facilitated by enumerators from elementary school teachers who had undergone training.
RESULTS
The study involved 1200 participants, with 1000 providing complete data. The results showed that 95.1% of children had experienced violence within the family, including physical violence (94.60%), psychological violence (95.10%), sexual violence (22.10%), and social violence (31.60%). Mothers were the most common perpetrators (80%), followed by fathers (61.3%), grandfathers (14.8%), brothers (35.4%), and uncles (13.1%).
CONCLUSION
This research underscores the alarming prevalence of violence against children within the family context in Padang. Addressing and preventing violence against children should be a priority to protect their rights and create a safe environment for their development.
Topics: Humans; Indonesia; Child; Female; Male; Child, Preschool; Adolescent; Child Abuse; Domestic Violence; Surveys and Questionnaires; Socioeconomic Factors
PubMed: 38847629
DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_48_23 -
Cureus May 2024Background Intimate partner violence is one of the major problems experienced by women all over the world. Almost one in three women have experienced one or more forms...
Background Intimate partner violence is one of the major problems experienced by women all over the world. Almost one in three women have experienced one or more forms of violence at least once in their lifetime. These estimates confirm that physical and sexual intimate partner violence remains pervasive in the lives of women across the globe. Intimate partner violence has been found to have a severe impact on mental health such as depression symptoms. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of intimate partner violence in terms of controlling behavior, sexual, and physical violence, and its association with depression in women of Chengalpattu district, India. Methods It is a community-based cross-sectional study conducted in 12 villages under the field practicing area of the rural health training center of Chettinad Health and Research Institute in Kelambakkam, India, by simple random sampling among 190 women participants ever married or partnered of age ≥18 years. A pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire was used which included the WHO Violence Against Women Instrument (VAWI) in the English language and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ 9). The collected data was entered in Microsoft Office Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, United States) and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21 (Released 2012; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). A probability value (p-value) of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The mean (SD) age of the study participants was 34 (±8) years. Among the 190 participants, 57.4% reported controlling behavior, 31.1% reported physical violence and 7.4% reported sexual violence by the intimate partner at least once in the past 12 months. About 34.7% were found to have mild depression and 21.6% with moderate depression. There was a significant association between intimate partner violence and depression in women (p < 0.001) Conclusion The present study found that there is a huge impact of intimate partner violence on the mental health of women whether it is psychological, physical, or sexual. There is a need for awareness and effective management of violence against women, especially in rural areas. Strategies focusing on women's education, leadership, empowerment, decision-making, and financial independence are very much needed.
PubMed: 38846205
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59825 -
American Journal of Preventive Medicine Jun 2024Much research on shootings by police has focused on urban jurisdictions, but most U.S. law enforcement agencies are not located in cities. Prior research suggests that...
INTRODUCTION
Much research on shootings by police has focused on urban jurisdictions, but most U.S. law enforcement agencies are not located in cities. Prior research suggests that rates of fatal shootings by police are comparable between urban and nonurban areas. Yet, shooting characteristics across the urban-rural continuum are unknown. This study describes and compares fatal and nonfatal injurious shootings by officers in U.S. urban, suburban, and rural areas from 2015 to 2020.
METHODS
Characteristics of fatal and nonfatal injurious shootings by police were abstracted from Gun Violence Archive. In 2023-2024, using ZIP-code and county-based rurality designations, the national distribution, incidence, and characteristics of injurious shootings by police were compared across urban, suburban, and rural areas of the U.S.
RESULTS
Rates of injurious shootings in rural areas approached or exceeded those of urban rates. As rurality increased, proportionately more injurious shootings involved single responders, sheriffs, or multiple agency types. Across the urban-rural continuum, characteristics of precipitating incidents were similar. Injurious shootings were most frequently preceded by domestic violence incidents, traffic stops, or shots-fired reports; co-occurring behavioral health needs were common. After accounting for local demographic differences, Black, indigenous, and Hispanic residents were injured at higher rates than White residents in all examined areas.
CONCLUSIONS
Shootings by police represent an overlooked and inequitable source of injury in rural areas. Broadly similar incident characteristics suggest potential for wide-reaching reforms. To prevent injuries, crisis prevention, dispatch, and response systems must assure proportionate rural-area coverage. In addition, legislative prevention and accountability measures should include sheriffs' offices for optimal rural-area impact.
PubMed: 38844147
DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2024.05.021 -
Forensic Science, Medicine, and... Jun 2024While most homicides worldwide are committed against men, women and girls are disproportionately affected by domestic violence and its fatal consequences. The Istanbul...
While most homicides worldwide are committed against men, women and girls are disproportionately affected by domestic violence and its fatal consequences. The Istanbul Convention mandates the prevention of gender-based violence, particularly against women. This study analyzes the characteristics of male and female victims of homicides to provide a comprehensive understanding of the different situations and ways in which men and women are killed. Files of 106 forensic autopsies of homicide victims aged 14 years and older (51.9% males, 48.1% females) from 2012 to 2019 were reviewed. Demographic data, previous history with a focus on the perpetrator-victim relationship, substance influence, type of violence and law enforcement data were recorded. A gender-separated statistical analysis was carried out. Male victims were killed most often outside their own home (63.6%) by acquaintances or friends (54.5%). They were frequently under the influence of substances (56.4%). The perpetrators suffered from addictive diseases in 49.1%, and 52.7% had prior convictions. In both groups, stab/cut injuries were the most common causes of death, but stab/cut and gunshot injuries occurred more frequently in male victims. Female victims were killed most often in their own homes (76.5%) by intimate partners (62.7%). Compared to male victims, violent asphyxiation and blunt force trauma were more common causes of death. Furthermore, there was a higher frequency of multiple injuries (33.3%). The prevalence of a guilty verdict of the perpetrators was nearly equal in both groups. Gender-specific aspects should be considered when investigating homicides and establishing prevention and intervention strategies for interpersonal violence. Protective concepts are easier to establish in the public sphere than in private homes, which is why homicides against women require special attention in society, law enforcement, and legislation. Significant gender differences were found in the circumstances and the perpetrator-victim relationships of homicides. Gender-specific aspects should be taken into account when investigating homicides and developing prevention and intervention strategies. Homicides against women require special attention in society, law enforcement and legislation.
PubMed: 38842624
DOI: 10.1007/s12024-024-00847-y -
Scandinavian Journal of Pain Jan 2024We examined associations of a self-reported history of childhood abuse with pain and physical functioning in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) awaiting total knee...
OBJECTIVES
We examined associations of a self-reported history of childhood abuse with pain and physical functioning in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) awaiting total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We also explored the potential moderating effects of positive childhood experiences (PCEs), an index of resilience, on these associations.
METHODS
Prior to TKA, participants with KOA awaiting surgery ( = 239) completed self-report measures of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), PCEs, pain, and physical functioning. We evaluated associations of pain and physical functioning (Brief Pain Inventory [BPI] and Western Ontario and McMaster University of Osteoarthritis Index [WOMAC]) based on the experience of ACEs (childhood abuse), with PCEs (childhood happiness and supportive parental care) as potential moderators.
RESULTS
Greater exposure to childhood abuse was positively correlated with BPI pain interference as well as WOMAC pain and functioning scores. Additionally, childhood happiness and supportive parental care moderated the positive associations of childhood abuse with pain and physical functioning; though, surprisingly, the adverse effects of childhood abuse on these outcomes were more pronounced among participants with high levels of childhood happiness and supportive parental care.
CONCLUSION
Overall, results show an association between a self-reported history of childhood abuse and pain and functioning in patients with KOA awaiting TKA. However, PCEs did not protect against the negative consequences of childhood abuse in our cohort. Further research is needed to validate these associations and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between childhood abuse and PCEs and their potential influences on pain experiences in adults with chronic pain conditions, including KOA.
Topics: Humans; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Resilience, Psychological; Aged; Self Report; Adverse Childhood Experiences; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Pain Measurement; Pain; Child Abuse
PubMed: 38842279
DOI: 10.1515/sjpain-2023-0122 -
Annual Review of Public Health May 2024Violence against women, especially intimate partner violence, is recognized as a global public health issue due to its prevalence and global reach. This article outlines... (Review)
Review
Violence against women, especially intimate partner violence, is recognized as a global public health issue due to its prevalence and global reach. This article outlines the scope of the issue, with respect to its prevalence, health outcomes, and risk factors, and identifies key milestones that led to its global recognition: methodological and data advances, acknowledgment as a criminal justice and health issue, support by the global women's movement, and the robust evidence demonstrating that intimate partner violence is preventable. Key issues for the future include recognition and consideration of intersectionality in research, improvements in the measurement of other forms of violence against women, and the need to scale up prevention efforts that have documented success. Violence against women is an urgent priority as it affects individuals, their families and surroundings, and the entire global health community.
Topics: Humans; Female; Global Health; Intimate Partner Violence; Public Health; Women's Health; Risk Factors; Prevalence
PubMed: 38842174
DOI: 10.1146/annurev-publhealth-060722-025138 -
Frontiers in Public Health 2024Childhood exposure to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) can lead to major short- and long-term effects on the victim. Despite this, there is no accepted measure for... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Childhood exposure to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) can lead to major short- and long-term effects on the victim. Despite this, there is no accepted measure for children's experiences, with most existing measures being validated only in high income countries and not in low- and middle- income countries. As a result, international statistics are not comparable. This paper seeks to critically appraise existing measures and discuss whether any are fit-for-purpose on a global scale.
METHOD
The COSMIN PROMs approach was followed to critically appraise and compare the appropriateness of measures. A comprehensive literature search was undertaken in seven journal databases for measures mentioned in formally peer-reviewed articles exploring childhood exposure to DVA.
RESULTS
A literature search resulted in the identification of 10 measures and, following criteria to only keep original measures and remove modifications, four measures which have been validated cross-culturally are discussed in detail in line with the COSMIN PROMs criterion: The Child Exposure to Domestic Violence Scale, Children's Perception of Interparental Conflict Scale, Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire and The Violence Exposure Scale for Children. Strengths and limitations of each are discussed, along with any validations undertaken not in the country of origin.
CONCLUSION
Despite childhood exposure to DVA being an urgent research priority worldwide, the current measures to explore the extent of the issue are not validated cross-culturally, leading to concerns about comparisons across different population groups. The development and implementation of interventions to reduce the levels and effects of exposure relies heavily on cross-cultural comparisons, which may indicate different strategies are needed in different contexts. The lack of these validated comparisons is constraining advances, and the paper advocates for further efforts to be made in this regard.
Topics: Humans; Domestic Violence; Child; Surveys and Questionnaires; Exposure to Violence; Female; Global Health; Male; Child Abuse; Crime Victims; Adolescent
PubMed: 38841674
DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1181837