Imaging of Violence Against Elderly and Young Population: A Cross-Sectional and Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Violence against elderly and young populations represents a critical but under-investigated public health challenge, with significant gaps in early detection and diagnostic approaches using medical imaging. Objective: This study aimed to determine the frequency, pattern, and anatomical distribution of violence-related injuries among elderly and young individuals in Punjab, Pakistan, while evaluating the diagnostic utility of various imaging modalities, particularly X-ray, in baseline assessment. Methods: A cross-sectional observational design was employed, including 150 participants aged 7–80 years who presented to radiology departments with suspected violence-related injuries from May to August 2024. Inclusion criteria comprised confirmed experience of violence, intimate partner violence, child or elder abuse, and those referred for imaging. Exclusion criteria included non-radiographic cases and uncooperative patients. Data were collected via standardized questionnaires and radiology reports, with injuries classified by type, pattern, and location. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS v25, with categorical and continuous variables analyzed using chi-square and t-tests, respectively. The study was approved by institutional ethics committees in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration. Results: Of the 150 cases, 67.3% were male and 32.7% female; rural residents constituted 70%. X-ray was the primary modality (66.7%), followed by ultrasound (22.7%) and CT (10.7%). Physical violence was most common (48.7%), predominantly in males (OR: 15.7; 95% CI: 6.6–37.2; p<0.001), while intimate partner violence and head trauma were more prevalent in females. Upper extremity and head injuries were most frequent. Statistically significant associations were observed between gender and type of violence (p<0.001) as well as injury location (p=0.042). Conclusion: Violence-related injuries in elderly and young populations are frequently underpinned by gender-specific patterns and are best identified using X-ray imaging for baseline evaluation. Integrating imaging protocols in clinical pathways can enhance early detection, improve patient outcomes, and inform targeted prevention and intervention strategies in human healthcare.