199912 Psychosocial Correlates of Physical Dating Violence Victimization among Latino Early Adolescents

Monday, November 9, 2009

Alice Fang Yan, MD, PhD , Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Texas, San Antonio, TX
Donna Howard, DrPH , Department of Public and Community Health, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD
Kenneth Beck, PhD, FAAHB , Department of Public and Community Health, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD
Objectives: This study examined the association between dating violence victimization and psychosocial risk and protective factors among Latino early adolescents.

Methods: An anonymous, cross-sectional, self-reported survey was administered to a convenience sample of Latino youth (n = 322) ages 11 -13 residing in suburban Washington, DC. The dependent variable was physical dating violence; the independent variables included violence, substance use, emotional wellbeing, pro-social behaviors, and parenting practices. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed and adjusted OR and 95% CI were examined.

Results: Overall, 13.5% (n = 43) of Latino early adolescents reported being a victim of physical dating violence within the past year. The prevalence was 14.4% for girls and 12.9% for boys. Among the girls, binge drinking was the sole risk behavior associated with dating violence. Gun carrying, alcohol consumption and having considered suicide were associated with dating violence among the boys.

Conclusions: Physical dating violence appears to affect a small but significant proportion of Latino early adolescents and is associated with other risk behaviors. Healthy dating relationship programs are warranted for middle school youth with some tailoring to reflect gender differences in risk profiles.

Learning Objectives:
1. By the end of the session the participant will know whether dating violence victimization is associated with emotional states or other behavioral engagement. 2. By the end of the session the participant will be able to determine whether there is a relationship between parenting practices or family dynamics and dating violence victimization.

Keywords: Sexual Assault, Latino Mental Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I contributed to the manuscript/abstract development.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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