Risk Factors for Dating Violence Among Adolescent Females Presenting to the Pediatric Emergency Department

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) among the adolescent population is an increasing concern. This study was designed to assess the prevalence, associated risk factors, and best ways to identify IPV among teens presenting to a pediatric emergency room. This prospective, convenience study was conducted in a busy, pediatric emergency department. Young women, aged 15 years to 21 years, presenting with any chief complaint were enrolled. Adolescents completed a verbally assisted survey, and responses were recorded. Surveys consisted of three sections: demographic information, an eight-item date violence screening tool, and a risk factor assessment tool. Teens who screened positive for IPV were offered immediate social services assistance. Analysis was performed to compare youth risk factors between young women who were screened positive and negative for IPV. All eight of the date violence screening questions were reviewed to analyze whether a set of questions were consistently positive in all the teens who were screened. A total of 246 of 270 (91%) approached were enrolled. The prevalence of IPV was 36.6%. Many of the risk-taking behaviors assessed correlated with dating violence. The most significant included having tried alcohol (odds ratio [OR], 2.4; confidence interval [CI], 1.3-4.4), having ridden in a car with a partner who was doing drugs (OR, 2.4; CI, 1.1-5.0) or alcohol (OR, 2.5; CI, 1.0-6.3), fighting with peers (OR, 3.5; CI, 1.6-7.8), and history of sexually transmitted disease (OR, 2.2; CI, 1.2-4.2). Four questions were identified that detected 99% of positive screens for adolescent dating violence. IPV among female adolescents presenting to a pediatric emergency department is high. Certain risk-taking behaviors are correlated with adolescent dating violence. Four specific questions, if asked in this setting, can capture teens at risk.