Relationship of intimate partner violence to health status, chronic disease, and screening behaviors.

While victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) have increased risk of chronic disease, little is known about their preventive screening behaviors. The objective of this study was to relate IPV to health status, chronic disease, and preventive screening behaviors. We hypothesized that women who reported poorer health statuses, higher rates of HIV, no primary care, and less-frequent HIV testing, breast exams, and Pap smears would be more likely to experience IPV.

Association between Intimate Partner Violence and Health Behaviors of Female Emergency Department Patients.

Introduction: We assessed the correlation between intimate partner violence (IPV) and health behaviors, including seat belt use, smoke alarm in home, handgun access, body mass index, diet, and exercise. We hypothesized that IPV victims would be less likely to have healthy behaviors as compared to women with similar demographics.

Methods: All adult female patients who presented to 3 Atlanta-area emergency department waiting rooms on weekdays from 11AM to 7PM were asked to participate in a computer-based survey by trained research assistants.