© 2006 American Public Health Association DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2004.054213
Teresa Evans-Campbell is with the Institute for Indigenous Health and Child Welfare Research, School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle. Taryn Lindhorst and Bu Huang are also with the School of Social Work, University of Washington. Karina L. Walters is with the Native Wellness Center of the School of Social Work, University of Washington. Correspondence: Requests for reprints should be sent to Teresa Evans-Campbell, University of Washington School of Social Work, 4101 15th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 (e-mail: tecamp{at}u.washington.edu).
Objective. We surveyed American Indian/Alaska Native (AIAN) women in New York City to determine the prevalence of 3 types of interpersonal violence among urban AIAN women and the behavioral health and mental health factors associated with this violence. Methods. Using a survey, we questioned 112 adult AIAN women in New York City about their experiences with interpersonal violence, mental health, HIV risk behaviors, and help-seeking. The sampling plan utilized a multiple-wave approach with modified respondent-driven sampling, chain referral, and target sampling. Results. Among respondents, over 65% had experienced some form of interpersonal violence, of which 28% reported childhood physical abuse, 48% reported rape, 40% reported a history of domestic violence, and 40% reported multiple victimization experiences. Overwhelmingly, women experienced high levels of emotional trauma related to these events. A history of interpersonal violence was associated with depression, dysphoria, help-seeking behaviors, and an increase in highHIV risk sexual behaviors. Conclusions. AIAN women experience high rates of interpersonal violence and trauma that are associated with a host of health problems and have important implications for health and mental health professionals. This article has been cited by other articles:
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