Why Violence Is A Public Health Problem?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Violence, overall, has become a public health crisis . The three leading causes of death in the United States for people ages 15-34 are unintentional injury, suicide, and homicide [1]. These violent deaths are, more often than not, directly associated with firearms.

Why is violence considered a public health issue?

Since violence in its many forms—interpersonal, self-directed and collective—often leads to physical and mental impairment, disability, and premature death , it should be seen as a major public health issue that requires sound epidemiological assessment of its causes, as well as multisectoral policies and strategies, ...

Why is youth violence a public health problem?

When it is not fatal, youth violence has a serious, often lifelong, impact on a person’s physical, psychological and social functioning. Youth violence greatly increases the costs of health, welfare and criminal justice services; reduces productivity; and decreases the value of property .

Why is violence a problem in society?

Violence can lead to premature death or cause non-fatal injuries . People who survive violent crime endure physical pain and suffering 3 and may also experience mental distress and reduced quality of life. Repeated exposure to crime and violence may be linked to an increase in negative health outcomes.

How does domestic violence affect public health?

Abused women are also more likely than non-abused women to engage in high risk behaviors, such as smoking and substance use disorders. Furthermore, the chronic stress caused by domestic violence is linked to higher rates of chronic diseases (such as heart disease and diabetes) for abused women .

How does crime affect public health?

Violence can lead to premature death or cause non-fatal injuries . People who survive violent crime endure physical pain and suffering 3 and may also experience mental distress and reduced quality of life. Repeated exposure to crime and violence may be linked to an increase in negative health outcomes.

What does a public health approach to violence imply?

What does a public health approach to violence imply? Health professionals are primarily responsible for solving the problem of violence . Violence is a learned behavior and therefore preventable and changeable.

What are some public health issues?

  • Heart disease.
  • Cancer.
  • Unintentional injuries.
  • Chronic lower respiratory diseases.
  • Stroke.
  • Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Diabetes.
  • Influenza and pneumonia.

Is interpersonal violence a public health issue?

Intimate partner violence is a serious public health problem in the United States that can have a profound impact lifelong health, opportunity, and well-being. CDC works to understand the problem of intimate partner violence and prevent it.

How does youth violence affect the community?

Youth violence has serious effects on the physical, mental, and social health of youth including increasing risk for depression, smoking, substance use, high-risk sexual behavior, academic difficulties, and suicide . It also takes a toll on communities’ health care and social service systems and property values.

Is youth violence a problem in our society?

Youth violence increases the risk for behavioral and mental health difficulties , including future violence perpetration and victimization, smoking, substance use, obesity, high-risk sexual behavior, depression, academic difficulties, school dropout, and suicide.

What causes violence?

Violence has many causes, including frustration, exposure to violent media, violence in the home or neighborhood and a tendency to see other people’s actions as hostile even when they’re not .

How does violence affect health?

Consequences include increased incidences of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and suicide; increased risk of cardiovascular disease; and premature mortality . The health consequences of violence vary with the age and sex of the victim as well as the form of violence.

How does violence affect the community?

Exposure to violent events can be traumatic and can negatively impact multiple factors such as development, academic functioning, coping skills and relationships . Kids are not only being exposed to violence within their communities at a much higher rate, but also through technology.

What is the effect of violence in the community?

The results tell us that youth who live in more violent, lower income, and less safe communities have worse mental health . Youth living in neighborhoods with more homicides have worse mental health and more severe PTSD symptoms, even when controlling for the relative contribution of direct violence exposure.

Is gender based violence a public health issue?

GBV has significant and long-lasting impacts on physical and mental health including injury, unintended pregnancy and pregnancy complications, sexually transmitted infections , HIV, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even death.

Why is intimate partner violence a public health issue?

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a well-recognized public health problem. IPV affects women’s physical and mental health through direct pathways, such as injury, and indirect pathways, such as a prolonged stress response that leads to chronic health problems .

Why is it important to focus on domestic violence?

It can lead to negative health outcomes such as chronic pain, increased risk of stroke, heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, cancer, or gynecological problems . There are also behavioral health concerns like depression, alcohol and substance abuse, and high-risk sexual behaviors.

What are the risk factors for violence?

  • History of violent victimization.
  • Attention deficits, hyperactivity, or learning disorders.
  • History of early aggressive behavior.
  • Involvement with drugs, alcohol, or tobacco.
  • Low IQ.
  • Poor behavioral control.
  • Deficits in social cognitive or information-processing abilities.
  • High emotional distress.

What is a public health approach to youth violence?

What is a Public Health Approach? A public health approach seeks to use evidence to understand the risk by addressing underlying risk factors that increase the likelihood that an individual will become a victim or a perpetrator of violence .

What is meant by public health?

Public Health is defined as “ the art and science of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts of society ” (Acheson, 1988; WHO).

How do you approach public health problems?

  1. Step 1: Define and Monitor the Problem. ...
  2. Step 2: Identify Risk and Protective Factors. ...
  3. Step 4: Assure Widespread Adoption.

What is the biggest problem facing public health today?

Both heart disease and stroke are leading causes of death in the United States. About 610,000 people die of heart disease each year. Prevention focuses on addressing high blood pressure, high LDL cholesterol and smoking. Meanwhile, there are about 130,000 deaths due to stroke annually.

What is the most common health problem?

1. Heart Disease – 655,381 deaths per year. Heart disease encompasses many heart conditions, including heart valve disease, heart infection, disease of the heart muscle, congenital heart defects, heart rhythm issues, coronary artery disease, and more.

What are the common health problem in the community?

Heart disease and stroke . HIV. Motor vehicle injury. Nutrition, physical activity and obesity.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.