Publications by authors named "Abbie Jacobs"

Nationally, the rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) among lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) individuals are similar to or greater than rates for heterosexuals. Many have experienced psychological and physical abuse as sexual minorities, making it difficult for them to seek help for IPV. Physician behavior, such as not assuming that all patients are heterosexual, being nonjudgmental, and using inclusive language, can empower LGBT patients to disclose IPV.

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Children who are exposed to domestic violence (DV) may experience many short- and long-term negative effects. They are up to 3.8 times more likely to become perpetrators or victims in adulthood than are children not exposed to DV.

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The family physician's office is a potentially safe place to discuss intimate partner violence (IPV). RADAR (Remember to ask routinely, Ask directly [in private], Document findings, Assess safety, Review options) is a tool for identifying and responding to IPV. Physicians should ask permission to document abuse, consider using a body map, and ensure confidentiality.

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Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects more than 12 million individuals annually. Power and control are central concepts underlying abusive relationships. Physicians may see IPV victims, perpetrators, and their children for annual examinations, as well as for injuries and health conditions associated with abuse.

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Little research has addressed the association of domestic violence (DV) with physical and mental health in Hispanic women. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 146 Hispanic women patients in 2002 at an urban family medicine practice. Twenty-one percent of the women were identified as current victims of DV.

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Purpose: We undertook a study to compare 3 ways of administering brief domestic violence screening questionnaires: self-administered questionnaire, medical staff interview, and physician interview.

Methods: We conducted a randomized trial of 3 screening protocols for domestic violence in 4 urban family medicine practices with mostly minority patients. We randomly assigned 523 female patients, aged 18 years or older and currently involved with a partner, to 1 of 3 screening protocols.

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Purpose: Studies using survey data from mostly white women showed that obese women are less likely than nonobese women to undergo breast and cervical cancer screening. It is unclear if these findings are true in nonwhite women. Using chart audit data, we examined the relationship between obesity and mammography and Pap smear screening among minority women.

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Background: Domestic violence is a public health problem that is common across ethnic groups. The utility of validated screening tools to detect abuse in diverse populations remains largely unknown.

Objective: The purpose of the study was to test the reliability and validity of a brief 4-question instrument, HITS, among predominantly Hispanic women.

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