Injury‐Related Healthcare Use and Risk of Filicide Victimization: A Population‐Based Case–Control Study1. Issue 1 (5th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bäckström, Björn; Hedlund, Jonatan; Masterman, Thomas; Sturup, Joakim
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic sciences. Volume 64:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 166
• Page End: 170
• Publication Date: 2018-09-05
• Subjects: forensic science -- filicide -- filicide–suicide -- child homicide -- healthcare use -- case–control; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; 363.2505
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.13908
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1198

Abstract

Abstract: Research on child‐related risk factors for filicide is scant. We investigated whether prior healthcare use for injury (including poisoning) influences filicide risk. Victims (0–14 years; n = 71) were identified in a national autopsy database for the years 1994–2012 and compared to matched, general population controls ( n = 355). Healthcare use data were retrieved from a national patient registry. Risks were estimated using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For females, prior inpatient care for injury conferred a statistically significant sevenfold risk (OR = 6.67 [95% CI: 1.49–29.79]), and any prior injury‐related healthcare use conferred a statistically significant fourfold risk (OR = 3.57 [95% CI: 1.13–11.25]), of filicide victimization. No statistically significant risks were found for males. Healthcare personnel should be aware that children treated for injuries, especially females, may be at an elevated risk of filicide victimization. Nevertheless, the filicide base rate remains low, and parents may be stigmatized by unfounded alerts; thus, prudent reflection should precede reports to the authorities.