Dating violence associated with alcohol consumption in female high school students in Matamoros, Tamaulipas

Abstract

Introduction: As a consequence of harmful alcohol consumption, 3 million deaths occur each year worldwide. Although historically in America and in the rest of the world men drink more alcohol, in frequency and intensity, alcohol misuse among women is increasing. A close relationship has been linked between excessive alcohol consumption and episodes of verbal, physical and sexual violence in couples. Objective: To measure the prevalence of alcohol consumption, identify types of violence and determine the association between alcohol consumption and dating violence in female high school students. Methodology: A descriptive correlational design was used. 206 adolescents between 15 and 18 years old who were in final exams were excluded, using a non-probabilistic sampling. A survey including personal data, alcohol consumption, and the Dating Violence Scale, prior settlement and informed consent, descriptive and inferential statistical analysis with Spearman's test was used. Results: 59.2% had a partner and showed an average alcohol consumption of 14.7 years; 70.9% drank alcohol at some point in their lives; and 37.7% drank alcohol in the last week. 88.3% suffered psychological violence, 7.8% physical violence, and 3.9% sexual violence; a significant positive statistical correlation was found between the number of drinks consumed on a typical day and psychological violence. Conclusions: Alcohol consumption is present in the adolescent population, with an increase in alcohol consumption among females. The relationship between alcohol consumption and psychological, physical, and sexual violence is proven.