Access to health services by women subjected to violence: findings from administrative healthcare data from the metropolitan area of northern Italy

• DOI: 10.1186/s12905-025-03582-w
• Publication Date: 2025-02-12T13:42:06Z
• Authors: Eliana Gabellini; Andrea Salvatori; Maria Teresa Greco; Cristina Cattaneo; Stefano Tambuzzi; Maria Antonella C...; Antonio Giampiero...
• Keywords: Public health; Emergency department; RG1-991; Women; Gynecology and obstetrics; Violence; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270; Health services

Abstract Background In Italy, approximately 50% of women report experiencing episodes psychological and/or physical violence. The Emergency Department (ED) is widely recognized as one the health services to which victims violence seek treatment for injuries and within situations domestic abuse can be recognized. This work aims estimate phenomenon in population Health Protection Agency (ATS) Milan using data from emergency room access hospital admissions. A further goal survey provide evidence launch audit processes units designed foster improvement strategies management guarantee integration with anti-violence centers. Methods first phase project, an algorithm was detect subjected intercepted five years 2019–2023 administrative healthcare rooms To identify cases, specific diagnosis codes ICD-9 have been selected. Prevalence time trends were estimated, stratifying by different socioanagraphic characteristics types attributes access. addition, degree between social analyzed. areas researched concern intake specialized services; specifically, on female residents cohort cross-referenced network ATS territory. Results clearly increasing emerges: 2019 2023, admissions ED risen 17%. total 35.6 percent involve ages 18 34. Foreigners account 40.9 while constituting 15 residing yellow (Urgency) triage code assigned 3 out 4 11.5% had multiple accesses. Conclusions Administrative offer consistent studying project useful tools better guide policies intervention area. Further reflection will focus possibility integrating support integrated approach.