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

Abstract #117718

Peter Memiah, MS, Public Health Program, Morgan State University, 1700 E. Coldspring Lane, 343 Jenkins Building, Baltimore, MD 21251, (443) 885 - 3238, githomo@yahoo.com and Mian B. Hossain, MSC, MHS, PhD, MPH/DrPH Public Health Program, Morgan State University, 343 Jenkins Building, 1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251-0001.

Violence against women has been established as a universal phenomenon. Sexual violence and other forms of coercive behavior are part of college life for students nationwide. In colleges, parties are prevalent, alcohol is frequently used and sexual violence becomes a common event. Research has been limited in identifying the risk factors that heighten vulnerability to experiencing sexual violence among college women.

The study assessed the behavioral, situational and psycho-social risk factors associated with sexual violence among female college students. Two primary objectives of the study are 1) to better understand what risk factors increase the risk of experiencing sexual violence, and 2) to determine differences in risk factors between African American and Caucasian college women.

This study is a secondary analysis of the National College Health Assessment data from a nationally representative sample of 20, 724 students in 33 campuses. The sample included female students aged 17 to 24 years. The outcome variable is sexual violence measured by verbal threats, sexual touching, attempted sexual penetration and sexual penetration against ones will. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were used. Findings indicate that sorority members were more likely to experience sexual violence. Female students with more than one sexual partner were three times as likely to experience sexual violence. A further test for the potential moderating effect of race on the outcome variable was conducted.

Results will aim to broaden the profile of at-risk female college students and have implications for policy changes to reduce/eliminate sexual violence especially on college campuses.

Learning Objectives:

• By the end of this discussion participants will be able to;
• 1)describe the risk factors that lead to women’s vulnerability to sexual violence.
• 2)identify racial differences in the risk factors associated with sexual violence among college women.
• 3)recognize the need to promote sexual violence education and prevention efforts.

Keywords: Violence, College Students

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.