Prevalence and risk of violence against adults with disabilities: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Bellis, Mark A.; Hughes, Karen; Jones, Lisa; Wood, Sara; Bates, Geoff; Eckley, Lindsay; McCoy, Ellie; Mikton, Christopher; Shakespeare, Tom; Officer, Alana

Abstract

Background About 15% of adults worldwide have a disability. These individuals are frequently reported to be at increased risk of violence, yet quantitative syntheses of studies of this issue are scarce. We aimed to quantify violence against adults with disabilities. Methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched 12 electronic databases to identify primary research studies published between Jan 1, 1990, and Aug 17, 2010, reporting prevalence estimates of violence against adults (aged mainly ≥18 years) with disabilities, or their risk of violence compared with non-disabled adults. We included only studies reporting violence occurring within the 12 months before the study. We assessed studies with six core quality criteria, and pooled data for analysis. Findings Of 10 663 references initially identified, 26 were eligible for inclusion, with data for 21 557 individuals with disabilities. 21 studies provided data suitable for meta-analysis of prevalence of violence, and ten for meta-analysis of risks of violence. Pooled prevalence of any (physical, sexual, or intimate partner) recent violence was 24?3% (95% CI 18?3-31?0) in people with mental illnesses, 6?1% (2?5-11?1) in those with intellectual impairments, and 3?2% (2?5-4?1) in those with non-specific impairments. We identified substantial heterogeneity in most prevalence estimates (I2

Citation

Bellis, M. A., Hughes, K., Jones, L., Wood, S., Bates, G., Eckley, L., …Officer, A. (2012). Prevalence and risk of violence against adults with disabilities: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Lancet, 379(9826), 1621-1629. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736%2811%2961851-5

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 28, 2011
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2012
• Journal: The Lancet
• Print ISSN: 01406736
• Electronic ISSN: 1474-547X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 379
• Issue: 9826
• Pages: 1621-1629
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736%2811%2961851-5
• Keywords: violence, disability, adults, prevalence, risk, meta-analysis
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/953682
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(11)61851-5