3253.0: Monday, November 13, 2000 - Board 2

Abstract #3131

Ethnic Differences in Self-Reported Use of Emergency Medical Care for Domestic Violence Injuries

Stephen J. Morewitz, PhD, S. MOREWITZ, PH.D., & ASSOCS., Buffalo Grove, IL, S.F., CA, California College of Podiatric Medicine, San Francisco, CA, S. MOREWITZ, PH.D., & ASSOCIATES/CAL COLL. POD. MEDICINE, 695 Noe St., Ste. 1, San Francisco, CA 94114, 415/252-0569, morewitz@earthlink.net

This study investigates the extent to which ethnic/cultural factors are associated with the self-reported use of emergency services for domestic violence-associated injuries. A random sample of 519 newly filed domestic orders of protection was drawn from published court case listings in two cities between 1997 and 1999. Logistic regression procedures were used to test the null hypothesis that there are no differences among White, African-American, and Hispanic petitioners in their use of emergency care services for domestic violence-related injuries, after adjusting for socio-economic status and other possible predictor variables. The null hypothesis was rejected. Among African-American petitioners, five types of severe domestic violence were positively associated with obtaining emergency medical services. Among Hispanic petitioners, only one severe form of domestic violence, being attacked with a weapon and one non-severe type, being pushed, were positively related to the petitioners’ use of emergency services. Among Hispanic petitioners, median income was negatively related to using emergency medical services. Among White petitioners, only one type of non-severe domestic violence, being pushed and one severe form, being thrown down, were positively related to obtaining emergency medical care for domestic violence-related injuries.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. List six or more differences in ethnic/racial groups' use of emergency medical care services for domestic violence-related injuries. 2. List six or more ethnic/cultural norms, values, and power structures that are associated with attitudes toward and use of emergency medical care services for domestic violence-associated injuries. 3. Develop five methods to improve the ethnic/racial groups' use of emergency medical care services for domestic violence-related injuries

Keywords: Violence Prevention, EMS/Trauma

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: none
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA