Examining Partner Violence and High Risk Sexual Behaviors among Adolescent Females Receiving Psychiatric Services

Background: Numerous studies indicate a robust association between history of partner violence (PV) and engaging in risky sexual practices in adulthood. However, the extent to which this finding is present in female adolescents receiving psychiatric services is not well known. Methods: Sexually active female adolescents, 13-17 years, receiving psychiatric services in three urban areas of the US completed an ACASI interview at baseline (N =290). Sociodemographics, history of physical and/or sexual PV, risky sexual practices such as inconsistent condom use, multiple partners and anal sex as well as substance use were assessed. Participants indicating that they had experienced physical and/or sexual violence by a sexual partner were classified as having a history of PV. Results: Twenty-nine participants (10%) reported a history of PV at baseline. Logistic regression models controlling for minority status, household income and parent communication indicate that those with a history of PV were significantly more likely to report multiple sex partners (AOR=6.8; p=.0001), inconsistent condom use (AOR=2.9; p=.043), marijuana use (AOR=2.4; p=.045) and sex while their partner was high (AOR=4.6; p=.007). No significant association was found between PV and anal sex (AOR=2.1; p=.14). Conclusions: Adolescent females who experience partner violence are engaging in more risky sexual and substance use behaviors, thereby placing themselves at higher risk for contracting sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Thus, it is critically important for clinicians, particularly mental health professionals, to identify and intervene with girls who have experienced partner violence in an attempt to avoid a trajectory of sexual risk-taking.