142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

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307483
Friends, parents, and professionals: A qualitative study of who African American teens go to for help when experiencing dating violence

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 : 12:50 PM - 1:10 PM

Alison Swiatlo , Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA
Aubrey Madkour, PhD , Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA
Ali Talan, MsC , Department of Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, new orleans, LA
Carl Kendall , Department of International Health and Development, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA
Kendra LeSar, MPH, CHES , Louisiana Public Health Institute, New Orleans, LA
Marsha Broussard, DrPH , School Health Connection, Louisiana Public Health Institute, New Orleans, LA
David Seal, PhD , Global Community Health and Behavior Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA
BACKGROUNDAlthough African American youth experience increased risk for dating violence, little is known about these youths’ opinions of sources of help.

METHODS: This qualitative study solicited teens’ perceptions of dating violence using in-depth interviews with male and female African American youth (ages 13-18) in two public high schools in a Southern city (n=20). Participants were recruited purposively by researchers during lunchtime and via referral from school personnel in school.  Preliminary thematic analysis of assistance sources for dating violence victims was conducted.

RESULTS: Teens reported that victims were unlikely to seek help if they were committed to staying in their relationship; if the abuse experienced was emotional or sexual rather than physical; or if the victim was male.  Teens reported that victims were most likely to seek advice from friends; however, most stated that friends have difficulty assisting victims due to lack of experience or knowledge. Also, teens reported friends were less likely than adults to perceive dating violence as a serious problem.  Some teens described seeking help from family members with whom they have close relationships, although other teens were strongly opposed to seeking help from family due to the fear that family members would overreact or seek retribution. Fear that their complaint would be shared with others (i.e., the police) was described as a barrier to disclosing to health professionals.

CONCLUSIONS: Interventions that train peer helpers, explain confidentiality and promote use of health services may improve assistance for dating violence victims.

Learning Areas:

Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Program planning

Learning Objectives:
Describe African American teens' perceptions of the sources of help for dating violence victims.

Keyword(s): Adolescents, Domestic Violence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a Masters student in Public Health focusing on adolescent health and have been working on this research project as a research assistant.
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.