Dating Violence, STI and Mechanism for Sexual Risk among Female Adolescent Health Clinic Attendees

Background/Objectives: An estimated one in five adolescent girls experience physical or sexual dating violence, with increased rates of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) observed among victims of such abuse. Qualitative research has identified potential mechanisms underpinning such associations (e.g., coerced condom non-use, forced unprotected sex, abuse response to STI disclosure); however, little quantitative work has been conducted to assess the prevalence of these experiences and their associations with violence victimization. The current study offers preliminary findings from a large clinic-based survey of adolescent females to describe patterns of dating violence victimization and associations with STI, forced unprotected sex, condom negotiation, and STI-related partner interactions. Methods: Adolescent females ages 14-20 (N=520) attending four urban teen health centers anonymously completed an automated computer-assisted survey instrument (ACASI). Participants reported experiences of physical and sexual dating violence victimization, STI history, fears related to condom negotiation, and coercive and violent partner responses to condom use requests and STI disclosure. Results: Approximately one third (35%) of female adolescent clinic clients reported physical or sexual dating violence, with 18% reporting STI. Associations of physical and sexual dating violence and STI history, fears related to condom negotiation, and coercive and violent partner responses to condom use requests and STI disclosure will be presented and discussed. Discussion: Findings will be discussed in the context of improving our understanding of the pathways to sexual risk among victims of dating violence in order to guide prevention, identification, and intervention efforts.