Resumen

PALAZZO, Lílian dos Santos et al. Physical violence and associated factors: a population-based study in Southern Brazil. Rev. Saúde Pública [online]. 2008, vol.42, n.4, pp. 622-629. ISSN 0034-8910.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0034-89102008000400007.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of physical violence and its association with sociodemographic aspects, stressful life events, and the use of health services due to emotional problems. METHODS: A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted with a sample of 1,954 14-year-old or older inhabitants of the city of Canoas (Southern Brazil). They were selected by means of conglomerate sampling according to a pre-established system. Data were obtained in visits to households by means of a confidential semi-structured questionnaire. A bivariate analysis was carried out through multinomial logistic regression, and the multivariate analysis by polytomous logistic regression, categorizing the outcome by age group. RESULTS: The findings show a prevalence of 9.7% (CI 95%: 8.37;11.03) and association with: women 20 years old and older (OR=2.74; CI 95%: 1.52;4.94); higher schooling rate (p<0.03); higher experience of stressful life events at 20 years of age or more (OR=6.61; CI 95%: 2.71;16.1); and doctors' appointments due to emotional problems as of 10 years of age (p>0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of physical violence in the population was significant, resulting in important emotional consequences and impact on health services, requiring capacity building of the professionals in the field.

Palabras llave : Violence; Risk Factors; Socioeconomic Factors; Cross-Sectional Studies; Health Services Epidemiology.