The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #58563

Patricia O'Campo, PhD¹, Jessica Griffin Burke, PhD², Karen A. McDonnell, PhD³, Andrea Gielen, ScD⁴, and Michael Yonas, MPH¹. (1) Department of Population and Family Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltmore, MD 21205, (410)502-5448, pocampo@jhsph.edu, (2) Department of Population and Family Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins Bloomerg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, E4010, Baltimore, MD 21205, (3) Maternal and Child Health, George Washington University School of Public Health, 2175 K Street Suite 700, Washington, DC 20037, (4) Health Policy and Management/Division-Social and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N. Broadway, Room 750 HH, Baltimore, MD 21205

Most analyses of intimate partner violence (IPV) have used cross-sectional data. Consequently, little is known about the longitudinal patterns of IPV and the factors that are associated with cessation, continuation, or initiation of abuse among women. Our study on a cohort of 183 low-income, predominately African-American women contributes to this gap by examining patterns of IPV over a four year period. Baseline and follow up data were collected using quantitative surveys conducted with women originally recruited from six clinic and community service sites. Overall, IPV rates had dramatically decreased with 70% women reporting current abuse at baseline as assessed using the Conflict Tactics Scale and at follow-up 23% reported current abuse at the time of the interview. At baseline 70% reported psychological abuse, 38% reported physical abuse, 25% reported sexual abuse. These rates differed 4 years later where 22% reported psychological abuse, 10% reported physical abuse, 8% reported sexual abuse. In addition to types of abuse, we will report on the overall patterns of abuse including initiation, continuation, and cessation of abuse of this four year follow-up period. An understanding of the longitudinal patterns of abuse can yield important information for programs designed to help women experiencing IPV and prevent IPV among women who are at risk for abuse.

Learning Objectives:

• Discribe the intimate partner violence cessation and intiation rates among this sample of low-income women.
• Discuss the the various types (e.g. psychological aggression, sexual coercion, physical assult, domination and control) of intimate partner violence experienced by this sample of low-income women.

Keywords: Domestic Violence, Women's Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.