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Jocelyn A. Lehrer, ScD, Bixby Center for Reproductive Health Research and Policy, University of California - San Francisco, 4601 25th St. #7, San Francisco, CA 94114, 415-217-9875, jlehrer1@gmail.com, Evelyn Lehrer, PhD, Department of Economics, University of Illinois at Chicago, MC 144, 601 South Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60607, and Vivian Lehrer, JD, Family Violence Project, Urban Justice Center, 435 W. 19th St., New York, NY 10027.

Background Little is known about prevalence or correlates of physical dating violence among college students in Chile. To address this gap, a quantitative questionnaire on this topic was distributed to students at a large public university.

Methods Self-administered questionnaires were completed by students attending General Education courses during June-August 2005. The present analysis focused on the female sample (n=441). Generalized ordered logit models were used to assess risk factors for physical victimization since age 14, considering three categories: no victimization, victimization with no injuries, and victimization with injuries.

Results Five percent of respondents reported having ever experienced an incident of dating violence resulting in injuries since age 14, and another 20.6% reported experiencing a less severe incident during this time; corresponding estimates for the past 12 months were 2.4% and 12.9%, respectively. In adjusted models, correlates of dating violence included low parental education (AOR 1.67, 95%CI 1.05-2.67), urban residence (AOR 2.26, 95%CI 1.10-4.63), childhood sexual abuse (AOR 1.95, 95%CI 1.18-3.21), and having ever had sex (AOR 1.81, 95%CI 1.09-3.02). Age had a non-proportional influence; oldest students were particularly likely to report injuries. Residence in the parental home during the college years had a protective effect (AOR 0.48, 95%CI 0.24-0.93).

Discussion The findings of this study suggest that physical dating violence may be an issue of public health concern among Chilean college students. Further studies should examine prevalence and predictors of dating violence in this population. Chilean universities should consider developing programs to prevent and respond to this form of violence.

Learning Objectives:

• In reviewing this poster, the reader will learn about factors associated with physical dating violence victimization among female college students at a major public university in Chile.

Keywords: College Students, Domestic Violence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered