Screening for Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence in College Women: Missed Opportunities

• Published in: Women's health issues 2016-03, Vol.26 (2), p.217-224
• Main Authors: Sutherland, Melissa A., PhD, FNP-BC, Fantasia, Heidi Collins, PhD, RN, WHNP-BC, Hutchinson, M. Katherine, PhD, RN, FAAN
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Internet; Intimate Partner Violence - psychology; Intimate Partner Violence - statistics & numerical data; Mass Screening - methods; Middle Aged; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Prevalence; Sex Offenses - psychology; Sex Offenses - statistics & numerical data; Sexual Partners; Socioeconomic Factors; Students; Surveys and Questionnaires; United States - epidemiology; Universities; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1049-3867; 1878-4321
• DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2015.07.008

Abstract Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence (SV) are significant health issues for college women. Leading organizations and experts recommend screening for IPV/SV in health care settings, including college health centers. Given the prevalence and health risks associated with IPV/SV among college women, it is important to examine screening in this population. Methods A cross-sectional, web-based survey was administered to college women at two universities in the northeastern United States. The survey consisted of demographic questions, assessment of experiences with IPV/SV (lifetime and past 6 months), use of health care services with either a college health center or an off-campus provider, and assessment of health care setting screening practices. Results The sample included 615 college women ( M  = 21.5 years). Lifetime experiences of IPV/SV were reported by 222 women (36.1%). Approximately 8.1% of participants ( n  = 51) experienced IPV/SV in the past 6 months. Almost 63% ( n  = 238) reported not being asked about IPV/SV at their most recent off-campus health care visit. Nearly 90% ( n  = 237) reported not being asked about IPV/SV at their most recent visit to the college health center. Conclusions Participants reported high rates of IPV/SV and low rates of violence screening at college health centers and off-campus settings. Routine provider screening for IPV/SV in health care settings can identify women at risk and can lead to interventions that reduce subsequent violence and improve health outcomes and referrals. Theory-based, culture-specific, multilevel interventions are needed to promote IPV/SV screening among college health providers.