Prevalence and Predictors of Intimate Partner Violence in a Military Urogynecology Clinic

ABSTRACT Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is common, with prevalence in women of 15 to 71% over the lifespan, 4 to 54% currently. Violence is associated with poor health, and may be more common in military populations. A history of abuse is also common in patients with pain, urinary/bowel symptoms, and dyspareunia. Our purpose was to determine the prevalence and predictors of abuse in a military urogynecology clinic. Methods: Patients presenting to a military urogynecology clinic were screened for IPV with the 4-item Hurt-Insult-Threaten-Scream (HITS) screen. Patients' abuse history, reason for visit, and risk factors for IPV were assessed. χ2 and Fisher's exact tests were used for categorical variables. Findings: Out of 142 surveys, only 4 (2.8%) indicated a positive HITS screen (score of 10 or greater on a scale of 4–20), and 39 (27.5%) responded positively to at least one item. These individuals were significantly more likely to have a history of physical abuse or abuse in their families, wi...