Intimate Partner Victimization and Adverse Health In a National Sample of College Students

• In Event: Posters II

Abstract

Existing research suggests some health related issues are related to intimate partner violence (IPV), however, little research has considered the relationship between IPV and negative health consequences among college students. Using the 2012 American College Health Association National College Health Assessment (N=23,971) this study examined the relationships between emotionally, sexually and physically abusive relationships and negative health outcomes such as obesity, migraines and perception of health. The results indicated that students who were in emotionally, physically or sexually abusive relationships in the year prior to the survey were significantly more likely to report they had poorer health (P< .001). Furthermore experiencing verbal threats was significantly associated with increased risk for obesity (P< .001) however, experiencing physical or sexual violence was not. Students in abusive relationships were more likely to be trying to lose weight (P < .001) and to engage in vomiting or using laxatives to lose weight (P < .001). Students who were in emotionally, physically or sexually abusive relationships were also significantly more likely to have migraines (P < .001). Given the high risk for IPV among college students, a closer examination of the relationship between IPV and adverse health outcomes in this population is warranted.

Authors

• Jana Jasinski, University of Central Florida

• Mary Schmidt-Owens, University of Central Florida

• James Schaus, University of Central Florida

• Stephen Berman, University of Central Florida

• Magdalena Pasarica, University of Central Florida