Factors associated with self-inflicted violence in women: a multilevel approach

Abstract

Introducction:  Cases of violence have a great impact on social and health systems. The consequence of self-destructive behavior goes beyond the need for specific medical care because, in addition to impacting quality of life, it can lead to premature death.

Objective:  To verify the factors associated with self-harm caused by women in a Brazilian capital.

Method:  This is a cross-sectional study that analyzed reports of violence in women aged 18 to 59 years from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases.

Results:  The results of the multilevel analysis, taking into account the health districts as the second level of analysis, showed that non-pregnant women (odds ratio — OR=1.83; 95% confidence interval — 95%CI 1.44–2.33), those with complete higher education (OR=1.44; 95%CI 1.23–1.67) and those with recurrent self-destructive behavior (OR=1.33; 95%CI 1.14–1.54) presented a greater chance of a record of self-inflicted violence. In turn, Black women (OR=0.58; 95%CI 0.41–0.83) and those in a stable relationship (OR=0.77; 95%CI 0.67–0.89) had the lowest odds.

Conclusion:  It was concluded that identifying the most vulnerable groups is essential to direct appropriate interventions among women.

Keywords:
self-injurious behavior; women; violence; exposure to violence