The number of Code Purple cases in the emergency department of the Riobamba Provincial General Teaching Hospital in 2023

Abstract

Introduction: The Purple Code, as defined by the Ministry of Public Health, encompasses any suspected instance of gender-based violence (GBV). Should the condition be detected within the National Health System, the protocol must be initiated without delay. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of Purple Code activations in the Emergency Department of the Riobamba Provincial General Teaching Hospital (HPGDR) during 2023. Methodology: A research study was conducted utilising an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, and retrospective approach. This approach was based on the census of hospital visits to the Emergency Department (N=35,652). The numerator was determined by the number of Purple Code activations (n=59), and prevalence was estimated with a 95% confidence interval (CI) using Wilson's method. Results: The prevalence was 0.17% (95% CI: 0.13–0.21%). The majority of victims were adolescents aged 10–19 years (44.1%) and women (91.5%). While 50.8% reported sexual violence, 42.4% psychological violence, and 35.6% physical violence, 32.2% experienced multiple types of violence. Discussion: The prevalence of violence against women reflects particular patterns, including high rates of sexual violence, a predominance of violence against women, underreporting, methodological limitations, and the need to strengthen detection and intersectoral coordination. Conclusions: Despite the observed low prevalence of institutional violence, the findings indicate a substantial burden of gender-based violence (GBV) on adolescents and women, emphasising the necessity to enhance detection, reporting, and coordinated action at various levels of care.