Pattern of interpersonal violence in six trauma centers in Tehran

Interpersonal violence is a significant public health problem throughout the world. This study aims to clarify the pattern of interpersonal violence in six trauma centers in Tehran. In this cross-sectional study, Victims of as assault-related injuries in a data registry established by Sina Trauma Research Center were studied. Most of our 479 studied cases were young males. Men and women were more commonly injured in streets and at home, respectively (P<0.001). Men and women more frequently suffered from penetrating and blunt injuries, respectively. Assault by sharp objects was the predominant mechanism of trauma followed by unarmed bodily force. Upper extremities were the most common sites of injuries followed by crainium and face, chest, abdomen and lower extremities. Mean length of stay in hospital was 4.1 days and 76.4% of cases had no source of reimbursement. The frequencies with which knives are used are worrisome (42.6% of all assaults). This is probabley due to lack of any practical laws against wearing sharp weapons in public and the unavailability of firearms due to strict legislations one ownership of warm weapons. Although control of ownership and wearing of knives and other sharp objects are practically more difficult than firearms, it seems to be worth trying especially in the developing countries.