Recorded presentation

Donna E. Howard, DrPH¹, Kenneth H. Beck, PhD¹, Melissa Hallmark Kerr, PhD², and Teresa Shattuck, PhD². (1) Department of Public and Community Health, University of Maryland, College of Health and Human Performance, College Park, MD 20742, (301) 405-2520, dhoward1@umd.edu, (2) Shattuck & Associates, Inc, 1313 Scotch Heather Ave., Mt. Airy, MD 21771

Purpose: To examine the prevalence of physical dating violence victimization and its relationship to risk and protective factors among suburban Latino youth. Methods: Identity, Inc, administered an anonymous, cross-sectional, self-reported survey to Latino youth (n=446) residing in the greater Washington, DC, metropolitan area. After receiving IRB approval from the University of Maryland, trained Latino interviewers recruited youth through direct invitation using a central location intercept strategy. There were no restrictions on eligibility based on gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, school enrollment status, or English speaking and reading ability. The questionnaire was the Identity Positive Youth Development Survey for Latino youth that focuses on health protective and risk behaviors. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed and adjusted OR and 95% CI were examined. Results: Approximately 9% of Latino adolescents reported physical dating violence victimization. Overall, youth who reported carrying a gun, involvement in physical fights and suicidal thoughts were at greater odds of reporting dating violence. Among females, fighting was the sole risk behavior associated with dating violence. Girls who reported a stronger self concept were less likely to report dating violence. Among males, gun carrying, but not physical fighting, and having considered suicide were important correlates of dating violence. Spending time each week with a mentor was also positively associated with male dating violence victimization. Conclusions: Dating violence appeared to cluster with other risk behavior engagement. Important gender differences in associated risk and protective behaviors were identified which should be incorporated into primary and secondary prevention activities.

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