Prevalence of dating partner violence and suicidal ideation among male and female university students worldwide

J Midwifery Womens Health. 2008 Nov-Dec;53(6):529-37. doi: 10.1016/j.jmwh.2008.04.016.

Abstract

This paper presents findings from the International Dating Violence study regarding the prevalence of physical assault, sexual coercion, and suicidal ideation among university students and explores the relationships between suicidal ideation and dating violence. Nearly 16,000 university students from 22 sites in 21 countries were recruited through convenience sampling. The results showed that although there were large differences between countries, the lowest rates of dating violence were still quite high. Male and female students were remarkably similar in the proportion of those who physically assaulted a partner or reported being a victim of sexual coercion. Correlation analysis revealed that perpetrators and victims of physical assault had an increased rate of suicidal ideation. Depression accounted for the relationship between dating violence and suicidal ideation. This study highlights a need for the development of universal screening and targeted services for violence, depression, and suicide prevention.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Depression / epidemiology*
  • Depression / etiology
  • Female
  • Global Health
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prevalence
  • Sex Offenses / psychology
  • Sex Offenses / statistics & numerical data*
  • Spouse Abuse / psychology
  • Spouse Abuse / statistics & numerical data
  • Students
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Suicide, Attempted / statistics & numerical data*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Violence / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult