Introduction
The prevalence of adolescent dating violence (ADV) presents a significant concern for practitioners working with young populations. The study titled "Dating violence prevalence and risk factors among adolescents (14–19 years) in urban public schools in Panama" offers valuable insights into the prevalence and risk factors associated with ADV in this demographic. This blog post aims to highlight key findings from the study and discuss how practitioners can apply these insights to improve outcomes for adolescents.
Key Findings from the Study
The study, conducted across urban public schools in Panama, revealed a high prevalence of ADV among adolescents aged 14–19 years. The findings indicated that:
- Emotional violence was reported by 61.6% of girls and 73.4% of boys.
- Physical violence was reported by 7.9% of girls and 24.1% of boys.
- Sexual violence was reported by 21.0% of girls and 28.9% of boys.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions to address ADV among adolescents.
Risk Factors Identified
The study identified several risk factors associated with ADV:
- History of sexual intercourse increased the odds of experiencing ADV across all types.
- Having three or more romantic partners in the past year was linked to higher odds of ADV.
- Girls with an earlier sexual debut (≤14 years) had greater odds of experiencing emotional and sexual violence.
Understanding these risk factors can help practitioners identify at-risk adolescents and tailor interventions accordingly.
Implications for Practitioners
Practitioners working with adolescents can leverage these findings to enhance their practice. Here are some strategies to consider:
- Implement Screening Tools: Develop and use screening tools to identify adolescents at risk of ADV. This can facilitate early intervention and support.
- Education and Awareness Programs: Educate adolescents about healthy relationships and the risks associated with ADV. Programs should focus on promoting equitable gender norms and respectful relationships.
- Collaboration with Schools: Work closely with schools to integrate ADV prevention programs into the curriculum. School-based interventions can be effective in reaching a large number of adolescents.
- Support Services: Provide access to mental and physical health support for survivors of ADV. Counseling and therapy can help adolescents cope with the trauma of dating violence.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, further research is needed to explore the nuances of ADV in different contexts. Practitioners are encouraged to collaborate with researchers to investigate additional factors that may influence ADV and to evaluate the effectiveness of various intervention strategies.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Dating violence prevalence and risk factors among adolescents (14–19 years) in urban public schools in Panama.
