ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to describe the changes in frequency and character of interpersonal violence in Aarhus during a twelve year period. A one year (1993-1994) prospective registration of all persons exposed to violence and attending the casualty wards or the Department of Forensic Medicine was performed. The results were compared with similar studies performed in 1981-1982 and 1987-1988. The incidence in the last one year period had decreased significantly to 5.5 cases/1000 inhabitants compared to 6.5 in 1981-1982 and 7.5 in 1987-1988. The decrease was most distinct among men between 15-24 years of age. Ninety percent of the lesions were minor and the severity did not differ from the former study. Among risk factors associated to severe violence were men between 25-49 years of age, foreigners, use of knives and domestic violence. Firearms were only involved in 0.8% of the cases. Significantly higher proportion of the victims reported the incidence to the police in 1993-1994 than previously.
Subject(s)
Violence , Wounds and Injuries/epidemiology , Adult , Cohort Studies , Denmark/epidemiology , Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data , Emigration and Immigration , Female , Humans , Interpersonal Relations , Male , Middle Aged , Risk Factors , Violence/statistics & numerical data , Violence/trendsABSTRACT
Attention is drawn to a particularly dangerous party activity. Balloons filled with lighter gas so as to float are used for party decorations. A case of hand burn caused by accidentally lighting such a balloon with a cigarette is reported. The method is strongly advised against, it is a much better idea to use helium for such purposes.
