A randomized trial of screening for relationship violence in young women.
OBJECTIVE
We conducted a randomized controlled trial of three screening approaches to assess relationship violence disclosure among young women as well as patient and provider satisfaction.


METHODS
Reproductive healthcare patients (n=699) aged 15 to 24 years completed one of three approaches to violence screening, that is, basic, healthy relationship, and bidirectional. Screening was embedded in a comprehensive health history using an audio-assisted computer interview (ACASI). Afterward, the patient met with the provider, who reviewed screening results. The patient and provider independently completed an assessment of the process.


RESULTS
Medical and violence screening took about 8 minutes with those in the basic screening finishing significantly more quickly. We did detect a significant difference by screening approach for recent physical violence victimization, but no other significant differences emerged between screening approaches. Although patients' or providers' satisfaction and comfort with the screening process were positive, no differences were detected.


CONCLUSIONS
An approach that frames questioning within a birectional context enhances detection of recent physical victimization, and can be completed in busy reproductive healthcare setting. All screens were equally and highly regarded by participants and adequately rated by providers.
Rickert
Vaughn I
VI
Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University, New York, New York 10032, USA.
Davison
Leslie L
LL
Breitbart
Vicki
V
Jones
Kathleen
K
Palmetto
Niki P
NP
Rottenberg
Leslie
L
Tanenhaus
Jini
J
Stevens
Lynne
L
D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods*; D014754:Violence; D055815:Young Adult