Utilization of services by abused, low-income African-American women

BACKGROUND: Little is known about health care and service utilization patterns among low-income African-American women, particularly those who report intimate partner violence (IPV). OBJECTIVES: (1) Identify utilization patterns among low-income African-American women. (2) Demonstrate utilization differences by IPV status. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and fifty-three African-American women from medical care clinics at a large inner-city public hospital. DESIGN: Case-control study. Predictor variable IPV assessed by the Index of Spouse Abuse. Outcome variables, health care, and service utilization, determined using the Adult Service Utilization Form. RESULTS: Of the 153 participants, 68 reported high IPV levels. The mean age was 32 years, majority were poor and unemployed, and 15.7% were homeless. The overall utilization rates were low. When controlled for homelessness and relationship status, high IPV levels were associated with greater psychiatric outpatient utilization. We found differences in the use of other medical or community services by IPV group. CONCLUSIONS: Women reporting high IPV levels are more likely to receive mental health services than women reporting low IPV levels, but may not have access to other needed services. Primary care providers should assess the mental health, legal, and social service needs of abused women, which will facilitate receipt of services.