Dating Violence Among High School Students in Southeastern North Carolina

Adolescents are a high-risk group for dating violence. Using the Youth Risk Behavior Survey data, this study examined the associations among dating violence ( including physical dating violence [PDV] and sexual dating violence [SDV]) and selected health risk behaviors among 375 and 372 high school students, in 2005 and 2007, respectively, in southeastern North Carolina. The findings indicate PDV increased slightly from 2005 (11.6%) to 2007 (12.5%), while SDV remained approximately the same (10.4% in 2005 and 10.3% in 2007). PDV was strongly associated with SDV among high school students in 2005 and 2007. Significant associations also exist among dating violence and sexual behavior, substance use, violence, psychological health, and unhealthy weight control. School nurses should be actively involved in promoting healthy lifestyles and healthy choices among high school students through interdisciplinary efforts with parents, teachers, school districts, and communities.