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

Abstract #121818

Sherry Lipsky, PhD, MPH and Raul Caetano, MD, PhD. Dallas Regional Campus, University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, V8.112, Dallas, TX 75390-9128, 214-648-1013, sherry.lipsky@utsouthwestern.edu

Aims: The study aims are to 1) examine the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization among women and IPV perpetration among men and emergency department (ED) utilization in the past 12 months, taking substance abuse/dependence into account, and 2) discern ethnic differences in the relationship between IPV and ED use in the general population.

Methods: The National Survey on Drug Use and Health is a cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of the U.S. noninstitutionalized civilian population. Black, Hispanic, and White respondents 18-49 years of age cohabiting with a spouse/partner are included in the analysis. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are calculated using logistic regression.

Results: IPV victimization among all women was associated with ED use independent of age, socioeconomic status, and alcohol and drug abuse/dependence (AOR 1.56, CI 1.19, 2.03). Drug abuse/dependence also was associated with ED use. In separate race/ethnicity analyses, only Hispanic female victims were more likely to use the ED compared to nonvictims (AOR 3.56, CI 1.86, 6.80); substance abuse/dependence was not associated with ED use. Similarly, IPV perpetration among all men was associated with ED use (AOR 1.62, CI 1.13, 2.32), with Black race and drug abuse/dependence also associated with ED use. In subanalyses, perpetration among Blacks and Hispanics was associated with ED use; substance abuse/dependence findings varied between groups.

Conclusions: These findings should reinforce the call to screen for IPV, including IPV perpetration, and substance abuse in the ED and assist in identifying factors associated with ED use.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• List five factors associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and perpetration.
• Describe the relationship between IPV and emergency department (ED) use.
• Describe ethnic differences in the relationship between IPV and ED use.
• Discuss the implications of these relationships for health care providers and policy makers.

Keywords: Emergency Department/Room, Domestic Violence

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.

Recorded presentation