Prevalence of intimate partner violence and its impact on health: female and male patients using a free clinic

Abstract

Purpose: Examine the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) with physical and mental health indicators among free clinic patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted via self-administered surveys. English and Spanish-speaking women and men aged 18 to 64 years responded to standardized questionnaires regarding IPV, physical and mental health, depression, and emotional support.

Results: The overall prevalence of IPV was 41%. U.S.-born participants reported a higher prevalence of IPV (women 61%, men 69%) compared with the national average (women 36%, men 29%) and the non-U.S.-born or immigrant participants (women 39%, men 7%). Women with IPV reported poorer mental health but the same level of physical health functioning compared with women without IPV. The impact of IPV on health was somewhat different for men.

Conclusions: Intimate partner violence is associated with poor health outcomes, especially for U.S.-born participants. Further research is warranted to understand causal mechanisms and to aid patients.