Prevalence and predictors of domestic violence in a military urogynecology clinic

INTRODUCTION: Domestic violence is common, with a lifetime prevalence of 9-29%. 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 or 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 domestic violence with the four-item Hurt-Insult-Threaten-Scream screen. Patients' abuse history, reason for visit, and risk factors for domestic violence were assessed. χ and Fisher's exact tests were used for categorical variables. RESULTS: Of 142 surveys, only four (2.8%) indicated a positive Hurt-Insult-Threaten-Scream screen (score of 10 or greater on a scale of 4-20). However, 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 with at least one positive response in 45.4% of patients with a history of family abuse compared with 20.8% of patients without this history (P=.007). Sixty percent of individuals with a history of physical abuse had a positive response compared with 24.6% of individuals without (P=.025). Race, education, marital status, and employment showed no association with a positive Hurt-Insult-Threaten-Scream response. CONCLUSIONS: Abuse in military urogynecology patients did not appear greater than the civilian setting; however, many patients reported experiencing verbal and physical aggression within the past year. These women may be at increased risk for violence, and continued screening is important. Language: en