Examining the link between intimate partner violence and screening behaviors

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is defined as physical, sexual or psychological harm that can be perpetrated by a former or current spouse. IPV has been linked to sexually transmitted infections and chronic diseases, and IPV victims tend to need more healthcare overall, compared to populations who are not victims of IPV. Research has shown that there is an important association between IPV exposure and HIV testing among Pacific Islanders. We sought to determine the extent to which IPV exposure is associated with screening behaviors including HIV, cholesterol levels, pap smear tests, and clinical breast exams among a more generalizable population. We used data from eight states that collected IPV information in the 2006 or 2007 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey (n=44,720). Multivariable logistic regression models provided adjusted estimates of odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Twenty-two percent of women and 10.8% of men reported a history of IPV, with 1.9% of women and 1.3% of men reporting IPV in the past year. Relative to those who did not report a history of IPV, IPV victims were twice as likely to get tested for HIV (aOR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.81 to 2.31), have had a breast exam (aOR: 1.67; 95% CI: 1.27 to 2.18) and a pap test (aOR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.16 to 3.26). IPV victims are vigilant about screening practices. Nevertheless, intervention and prevention programs to reduce IPV and its impact are warranted. Making use of opportunities for IPV intervention and prevention during screening for other adverse health outcomes is suggested.