Violência física interpessoal em adultos na região de Campina Grande: análise dos traumas faciais, dinâmica de distribuição semanal, perfil da agressão e do agressor, e circunstâncias dos eventos

Abstract

Introduction: Interpersonal violence (IPV) through physical aggression is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors, such as sex, age, region of residence, day of the week, presence of festive events, and alcohol consumption. Objectives: To evaluate the weekly distribution dynamics of interpersonal physical violence cases in adults resulting in facial injuries, occurring in Campina Grande and its metropolitan area, based on records of victims treated at the Núcleo de Medicina e Odontologia Legal (NUMOL-CG). Methodology: A census-based, observational, and retrospective study was conducted involving 9522 victims of interpersonal violence. Data collection was divided into two periods. The first period, covering the years 2008 to 2011, was conducted by a team of eight previously calibrated researchers. The second period, covering the years 2012 to 2014, was conducted by two researchers who also participated in the first data collection. The data collection instrument included sociodemographic information, trauma details, and circumstances of the aggression. Initially, a descriptive analysis of the cases was performed, and subsequently, sociodemographic and trauma data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. Additionally, Cramer's correlation analysis was used to identify the strength of associations between variables related to facial trauma. Results: The majority of victims were between 18-29 years old (49.1%) and resided in Campina Grande (74.6%). The prevalence of facial trauma was higher among young individuals (18-29 years) and the unemployed (49.58%). The use of instruments significantly increased the risk of facial trauma (OR = 2.21, p < 0.001). The incidence was higher on weekends (OR = 0.89, p < 0.001). Detailed analysis revealed that soft tissue traumas were the most common among victims, representing 42.3% of cases, while facial bone fractures and dentoalveolar fractures were less frequent, with 0.9% and 0.4%, respectively. Most aggressions occurred in the head and face region, with 20.2% of cases recorded in this area. Other affected regions included the neck (1.4%), upper limbs (17.7%), lower limbs (5.3%), chest (3.8%), and abdomen (1.7%). The most used instruments in the assaults were bodily force (66.1%), sharp objects (6.6%), and firearms (3.9%). Other instruments were used in 10.2% of cases. Cramer's analysis revealed that the use of instruments and the day of the week had the strongest correlations with the occurrence of facial trauma, indicating moderate associations. Weekly analysis of the data showed that the incidence of interpersonal violence was significantly higher on weekends, with an odds ratio of 0.89 (p < 0.001), indicating an increase in facial trauma cases during these days. The influence of festive events was also notable, with peaks of violence observed during June festivals and other local celebrations. Conclusions: Young age, unemployment, and the use of instruments are associated with a higher risk of facial trauma. Interpersonal violence is more common on weekends and during festive events. Public policies and preventive interventions are necessary for these high-risk periods. Programs like Paraíba Unida pela Paz had an initial positive impact, but continuous and adaptive measures are needed to address ongoing challenges.