Physical dating violence among adolescents and young adults with alcohol misuse

Abstract

BackgroundThis study determined prevalence and correlates of physical dating violence (victimization or aggression) among male and female youth with alcohol misuse and seeking emergency department (ED) care. MethodsPatients age 14–20 seeking care at a single large university-based ED completed a computerized, self-administered, cross-sectional survey. Measures included demographics, alcohol and substance use, mental health problems, health service use, peer influences, parent support, and community involvement. Bivariate and multivariate regression assessed physical dating violence correlates. ResultsAmong 842 male and female youth seeking ED care who screened positive for alcohol misuse, 22.3% (n=188) reported dating violence in the past year. Multivariate analyses showed variables associated with dating violence were female gender (AOR 2.17, CI 1.46–3.22), Caucasian race (AOR 0.59, CI 0.37–0.93), receipt of public assistance (AOR 1.82, CI 1.16–2.87), AUDIT Score (AOR 1.06, CI 1.02–1.10), older age of drinking onset (AOR 0.86, CI 0.77–0.96), suicidal ideation or attempt (AOR 1.95, CI 1.13–3.37), frequency of ED visits (AOR 1.22, CI 1.05–1.46), negative peer influences (AOR 1.05, CI 1.01–1.10), and positive peer influences (AOR 0.86, CI 0.80–0.93). ConclusionsNearly 1 in 4 youth with alcohol misuse seeking ED care report dating violence. Key correlates of dating violence included alcohol use severity, suicidal ideation, ED services, and peer influences. Evidence-based dating violence interventions addressing these correlates are needed for youth with alcohol misuse seeking ED care.