Link Between Violence And Health Issues In New Zealand Women
Recent research highlights a concerning link between interpersonal violence and increased hospitalization rates among New Zealand women. This study, led by Professor Janet Fanslow from the University of Auckland, shows that women who have faced childhood sexual abuse or multiple types of intimate partner violence are significantly more likely to be hospitalized for various health conditions.
Data gathered over 31 years (1988-2019) revealed that these women are 1.6 times more likely to be hospitalized with cancer and nearly three times more susceptible to respiratory diseases. The research also found increased hospitalizations due to pregnancy complications, digestive disorders, and injuries, albeit not directly caused by violence.
The study utilized comprehensive data from the New Zealand National Minimum Data Set on Hospital Discharges, with consent from over 1,000 women to link their survey responses about violence with their hospital records. This approach provided a reliable correlation between experiences of violence and health outcomes, correcting for previous reliance on self-reported health issues which could be inaccurate.
Fanslow emphasizes the urgent need for improved violence prevention measures, noting the burden violence places on the healthcare system. Effective prevention could enhance public health and reduce healthcare costs. The findings underscore the importance of healthcare professionals recognizing the potential impact of violence on health, allowing them to direct patients to suitable support services.
Although the study's findings are robust, there are limitations, such as the need for more proactive screening and inquiries about violence exposure in clinical settings. The research also calls for the implementation of existing protocols, like New Zealand's national Violence Intervention Programme, to address this critical health issue effectively.