Violence Experienced by Men Linked to Increased Hospitalisations, Study Finds
A new study has revealed a important connection between men’s experiences of violence and increased rates of hospitalisation for a range of illnesses. The research, the first of its kind to document this link, highlights the often-overlooked impact of trauma on men’s health and the need for greater awareness within the healthcare system.
Researchers found that men who had experienced childhood sexual abuse where hospitalised more frequently for nervous system disorders and ear diseases. Non-partner physical violence was associated with nearly double the rates of hospitalisation for injuries, while intimate partner violence correlated with increased hospitalisations for genitourinary conditions.
Notably, the study also observed a rise in hospital admissions for men presenting with non-disease specific symptoms - serious complaints that couldn’t be definitively diagnosed. Researchers suggest this is a key indicator of underlying trauma.
“exactly when practitioners should consider the impact of trauma” is when patients present with unexplained, serious symptoms, explained researcher Dr. Fanslow. “violence and the effects of violence are appearing in our health systems, but we’re frequently enough not recognising it, and thus we’re not responding appropriately.”
The study statistically accounted for age and ethnicity. Becuase ethnicity was strongly linked to socio-economic status, this also effectively controlled for the effects of poverty and related factors like substandard housing.
Existing research indicates that healthcare professionals frequently fail to identify patients’ exposure to violence, a problem compounded by a lack of understanding regarding the long-term health consequences of violence, trauma, and abuse.
“If clinicians are aware violence could be contributing to the health problem, they could link peopel to appropriate support services, whether it’s around immediate safety or long-term recovery and trauma-informed care,” Fanslow stated.
Researchers plan to disseminate the study’s findings to policymakers and advocate for the integration of this knowledge into medical and healthcare education.
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Sexual Violence
