Partner-level risk factors for interpersonal violence in young male same-sex relationships

Background: Little data exists on interpersonal violence (IPV) in young male same-sex couples, but research indicates that IPV has a profound impact on the health of young men who have sex with men (YMSM). IPV contributes to both mental health problems and unprotected sex with partners. Methods: Two longitudinal cohorts of YMSM (ages 16-20 baseline) were used for analyses: Project Q2 (N = 118; 3.5 years follow-up) and Crew 450 (N= 450; 18-month follow-up). Participants reported characteristics of their 3 most recent sexual partners during the 6 months before each assessment, including experiences with IPV and relationship factors. Analyses were conducted using Hierarchical Linear Modeling. Results: Compared to White participants, Black participants had higher odds of IPV in both cohorts (ORs = 3.24, 4.22, p < .05). In Crew 450, Latino (OR = 4.43, p < .001) and Other race (OR = 5.77, p < .001) participants also had higher odds of IPV. In both cohorts, IPV was more likely in serious compared to casual relationships (ORs = 3.72, 3.67, p < .001) and when participant reported their partners were having sex with others (ORs = 1.82, 1.31, p < .05). Drinking before sex was associated with higher odds of IPV in Crew 450 (OR = 1.42, p < .01). Conclusions: Several partner-level factors were associated with experiencing IPV, including being in serious relationships, having sex outside relationships, and alcohol use. These are important targets for couples-based interventions that may have an important impact on emotional, physical and sexual health.