Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116335

Lucy Clarke, BA, MPH 2006¹, Sharon Tsui, BA, MPH 2006¹, Natalie Hoyt, BA, MPH 2006¹, and Vanda Asapahu, BA, BS, MPH 2006². (1) School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Global Health, Yale University, 367 Cedar Street BOX 1114, New Haven, CT 06510, 617-642-9844, lucy.clarke@yale.edu, (2) School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Policy and Administration, Yale University, 44 Orange Apt #521, New Haven, CT 06510

Domestic abuse is of public health significance and an urgent challenge to the Bridgeport Community Health Center (BCHC). A 2004 prevalence survey of the female clientele of BCHC showed that Hispanic and African-American women experienced a disproportionate burden of domestic violence as compared to national statistics, reporting 27% and 13% higher prevalence for total women and pregnant women, respectively. The American Medical Association recommended health practitioners to develop abuse screening protocols and referral/ intervention procedures in response to high prevalence of domestic abuse. Therefore, BCHC initiated a domestic violence survey and intervention program for delivery of care to adolescent females, which includes structural and process changes. First, structural changes included hiring a case manager to coordinated medical, social, and mental health services for abused teens. Second, process changes included universal and age-specific screening, individual and group therapy, and partnerships with Bridgeport community resources. The purposes of this study are two-fold. First, this retrospective cohort study of adolescent females evaluates prevalent risk factors of domestic abuse and levels of self-esteem level. Second, semi-structured interviews with BCHC staff and community partners examine coping mechanisms and efficacy of existing and potential performance improvement projects. Quantitative and qualitative data are analyzed using statistical univariate and biavariate methods and theme content analysis, respectively. Findings from this study will be used for making recommendations for structural and process changes, as well as empowerment and risk reduction for adolescent females.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to identify the risk factors associated with domestic violence of minority adolescent females; recognise levels of self-esteem associated with domestic abuse; and develop a structural and process plan addressing adolescent domestic abuse for a community health center.

Keywords: Domestic Violence, Adolescent Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.