Intimate partner sexual violence among Chinese emerging adults: Prevalence, correlates, mental health and quality of life outcomes

Abstract

Aims: There is a dearth of study investigating Intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) among emerging adults, including heterosexuals and homosexuals in the Chinese population. This study aims to understand and compare the prevalence of IPSV in heterosexuals and homosexuals among Chinese emerging adults, to explore the correlates of IPSV, and to evaluate the mental health and quality of life of survivors of IPSV. Methods: Data were collected from four university campuses in Hong Kong (n = 1015) by using self-administered questionnaires either via online platform or pencil-and-paper format. Study instruments included the Revised Conflict Tactic Scale, Woman Abuse Screening Tool, Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-15, and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF instrument. Results: The prevalence of IPSV was 12.5% (95% CI = 10.1% to 14.1%). There was no gender difference in the prevalence of IPSV. However, homosexuals had higher prevalence of IPSV than heterosexuals (11.1% vs 22%, p = 0.001). Multiple logistic regression found that age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.16; 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.29), childhood sexual abuse (aOR: 5.76; 95% CI = 2.65 to 12.53), and homosexuality (aOR: 2.06; 95% CI = 1.27 to 3.35) were correlates of IPSV. Multiple linear regression found that, compared with those without history of IPSV, IPSV survivors were more likely to have higher levels of anxiety (β: 1.78; p <0.01) and depression (β: 0.94; p < 0.01), more severe psychosomatic symptoms (β: 1.52; p < 0.01), and poorer quality of life (β: -4.31; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Homosexuals in the Chinese populations had higher prevalence of IPSV than heterosexuals. IPSV survivors were found to have poorer mental health and quality of life outcomes. The findings will be helpful in drawing more attention in IPSV prevention programs, and interventions for IPSV survivors should be targeted at improving their mental health and quality of life.