Pattern of oral-maxillofacial trauma stemming from interpersonal physical violence and determinant factors

Facial trauma is among the most common types of injury. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence and pattern of oral-maxillofacial trauma stemming from interpersonal physical violence (IPV) and determine whether IPV is factor associated with oral-maxillofacial trauma.

A retrospective analysis was conducted of 790 complete patient charts for data on the type of IPV for the gender, area of residence (urban or rural), age and type of trauma. Statistical analysis involved the chi-squared test (P < 0.05), univariate/multivariate Poisson, and logistic regression (P < 0.20). Type of oral-maxillofacial trauma was the dependent variable. Socio-demographic status and type of IPV were the independent variables.

One hundred forty (17.7%) individuals had oral-maxillofacial injuries stemming from IPV [80 (10.1%) due to urban violence (UV) and 42 (5.3%) due to domestic violence (DV)]. DV was more prevalent among females (69%), and UV was more prevalent among males (67.5%). The most common types of trauma were facial contusion and laceration, dental concussion, and mandibular fracture. Age and UV were explanatory factors for mandibular fracture. Females from rural areas and who suffered DV were more likely to exhibit facial contusion and dental concussion.

Interpersonal physical violence was identified as a factor associated with oral-maxillofacial trauma, specifically mandibular fracture, facial contusion, and dental concussion.