142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

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Determinants of physical dating violence victimization among high school adolescents

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 : 12:30 PM - 12:50 PM

Timothy Ihongbe, MPH , Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Saba Masho, MD, MPH, DrPH , Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Division of Epidemiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Susan Cha, MPH , Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, Division of Epidemiology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA
Audio (mp3) recording Recorded Presentation (mp4)
Background: Physical Dating Violence (PDV) victimization among adolescents is a major public health concern in the United States. Research has shown that determinants of PDV victimization are different for male and female adolescents. However, inconsistent findings in literature warrant further research. This study aims to identify gender-specific determinants of PDV victimization utilizing a nationally-representative sample of high school adolescents.

Methods: Data come from the 2011 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Study population included 7,566 males and 7,649 females in grades 9 through 12. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted using separate logistic regression models. The first model examined predictors of PDV in the total population. The second and third models identified predictors of PDV in male and female participants, respectively.

Results: PDV affects approximately 1 in every 11 youths in the United States with males (9.5%) and females (9.3%) showing similar proportions. Significant predictors of PDV for all adolescents included being currently sexually active (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 2.41; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.99-2.91), using alcohol (1.26; 0.97-1.63) , engaging in a physical fight (1.73; 1.44-2.07), poor body image (1.86; 1.40-2.48), and having suicidal thoughts (2.14; 1.76-2.60). Experiencing sexual victimization was a significant predictor among males (6.05; 4.11-8.91) and illicit drug use was a significant predictor in females (1.48; 1.10-1.99).

Conclusion: This study provides evidence that there are gender differences in determinants of PDV. It is essential that counselors and care providers give particular attention to female adolescents with illicit drug use and male adolescents experiencing sexual victimization.

Learning Areas:

Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Epidemiology
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Identify gender-specific determinants of physical dating violence victimization Demonstrate evidence necessary to enable counselors and care providers give proper care to male and female adolescents at risk or exposed to physical dating violence victimization

Keyword(s): Adolescents, Youth Violence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am part of a research team investigating physical dating violence victimization and intimate partner violence. Among my scientific interests has been the the relationship between physical dating violence victimization and intimate partner violence.
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.

Back to: 5179.0: Violence Prevention: Risk factors and interventions to prevent violence against adolescents and women