Impact of Acculturation on NYC Latino Adolescent Dating Violence

Background. CDC states 25% of adolescents report abuse from a dating partner annually. The effect of acculturation on physical dating violence (PDV) is unclear- prior research studies in Mexican youth show that acculturation may be either a risk or protective factor. This study explores whether acculturation increases the rate of PDV among predominantly Dominican youth. Methods. In 2007, 816 dating NYC Latino youth aged 13-21 years from 4 public high-schools participated in an ACASI survey in either English or Spanish (“Partners and Peers”). To measure acculturation, we combined 3 variables: nativity, language spoken at home, survey language chosen. PDV experienced as a victim and/or perpetrator in the previous year was obtained using the CADRI survey. Complete analysis will include prevalence, and preliminary bivariate/multivariate logistic regression. Results. Among dating participants, 78% are US born, 60% predominantly speak English at home, and 94% chose the English survey. PDV was experienced as a victim and/or perpetrator by 39% born in the US, 43% who predominantly speak English at home, and 39% using the English survey. Survey language and language spoken at home were statistically associated with PDV (p-value <.01, 0.11); however, nativity was not (0.43). The more acculturated Latino youth experienced a greater rate of PDV when compared to low acculturated Latino youth (low-level:29%, intermediate-level:33%, high-level:44%). Conclusions. Acculturated Latino youth in NYC experience increased PDV when compared to low-acculturated Latino youth. Interventions for Latino youth dating violence can benefit from findings that culture norms and values may be protective of their health.