Background: Adolescent dating violence (DV) is a growing problem in the United States. Identifying the most optimal venue for screening and determining risk factors for DV is important for treatment and prevention programs. The purposes of this study were to determine the prevalence of DV among male teens presenting to a Midwestern pediatric emergency department (PED) and to determine risk factors, types of injuries sustained, and interest in social service assistance.
Methods: Males (13-21 year old) presenting to a PED were prospectively enrolled. Exclusions included never dated, non-English speaking, critically ill, active psychosis, or caregiver nonwillingness to leave during study participation. The computerized survey consisted of demographics, a validated DV screen, risk factor assessment, and injuries from DV. At completion, all participants received DV educational materials and were offered social service referral.
Results: Of the 262 eligible approached participants, 198 (75.6%) were enrolled. The mean ± SE age of participants was 16.2 ± 0.13 years, with 106 white (53%) and 77 African American (39%). A total of 99 (50%) had DV education in the past; 39 (19.7%) screened positive for DV. Risk factors for those who screened positive include the following: 9 (29%) endorse riding in a car with a dating partner who was driving intoxicated, 27 (87%) admitted to drinking alcohol, and 11 (35%) have been treated for an sexually transmitted infection. Almost all injuries sustained as a result of DV (83%) were minor (scratches or scrapes). Only 2 (5%) accepted social service intervention and none for their DV exposure.
Conclusion: One in five teen males who present to a PED in our population screened positive for DV. Using specific risk factors could aid practitioners in identifying those children more likely to screen positive. Injuries sustained were mild, and most did not accept social services consultation.