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In the aftermath of Hurricane Floyd in 1999, a Community Advisory Committee requested assistance from its university partners (University of North Carolina) to address stress and increased risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). Collected from 12 study work sites, baseline data indicated that IPV rates were higher among blue-collar women in eastern North Carolina than national population-based rates suggest. IPV victims reported higher levels of perceived stress, psychological distress, somatic complaints, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms than did nonvictimized coworkers. As for the relationship of the flood to IPV, no significant increase in IPV incidence occurred after the flood. Regardless of their flood experience, however, IPV victims consistently reported greater stress, PTSD symptoms, and somatic and psychological problems. Moreover, IPV victims may be at higher risk for stress-mediated chronic illnesses and for using negative coping behaviors. This study uses an established trusting relationship between researchers and community members to explore community needs and inform intervention design. (Contains 6 tables.)

The objectives of this study are to compare the sexual concerns, interest and experiences in discussing these concerns with their doctor for women of 'Only Men' and 'Some to Only Women' sexual orientation. A survey was mailed to women patients from two military outpatient settings, with 1,196 women responding. Of eligible respondents (N = 1,170), 90% reported 'Only Men' and 10% reported 'Some to Only Women' sexual orientation. Sexual concerns varied by sexual orientation, while interest and experience in discussing sexual concerns and desire for physicians to initiate the topic differed minimally. Women with 'Some to Only Women' sexual orientation have both similar and differing sexual concerns compared to 'male-only' oriented women. Larger primary care patient-based studies of sexual health care needs of sexual minorities are needed. KEYWORDS. Sexuality homosexuality, female, lesbianism, sexual behavior, sexual partners, sexual orientation

Correlates of intimate partner violence (IPV) among rural, southern Latinas were studied while social and demographic correlates of IPV were analyzed. Adult lifetime prevalence of IPV in Latinas was found to be 19.5%, similar to that of non-Latinas while, in comparison with Latinas who did not experience IPV and non-Latinas who experienced IPV, Latinas who experienced IPV were more likely to lack social support and to have children in the home.

Sexual concerns as well as interest and experience in discussing the concerns with physicians for women with and without a history of abuse is compared and discussed. Women who see physicians as a resource for their sexual health needs are more likely to feel embarrassed about raising the topic and compared with their counterparts, are more likely to do so.

Background: Residency programs vary widely in types of training to increase cultural competency and sensitivity. Moreover, few empirical studies exist regarding effectiveness of these experiences. The purpose of our study was to offer and evaluate a linguistic mini-immersion, !Español Rápido!, required of 8 new family practice interns during their orientation month at the University of North Carolina. Description: The curriculum was based on accelerative learning, a pedagogy that considers all parts of the brain, the paraconscious, and the role of the emotions. Evaluation: Pretests and posttests and a postimmersion and 6-month follow-up evaluation indicated that the mini-immersion was successful. A simple t test for paired samples showed a significant improvement in interns' comprehension after the 6-day immersion, t(7) = 11.399, p < .000. Conclusion: This brief experience should be viewed only as a first step in a long-term plan for a comprehensive curriculum to prepare family practice residents as culturally competent practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A paucity of literature exists on implementing and evaluating residency curriculum addressing intimate partner violence. We used unknown simulated patients in a university-based family practice clinic following a pilot curriculum intervention. The curriculum focused on physician comfort with screening, counseling, and referral of patients, using standard conferences as well as a role-play session. Subsequently, unknown simulated patients were inserted into residents’ clinic schedules during videotaped sessions. Evaluation included skills checklists from simulated patients, review of videotapes, and post-study resident interviews. Use of unknown simulated patients encouraged residents to consider and screen for intimate partner violence. Using simulated patients is logistically complex but provides a powerful residency training tool. Residents reported attitude changes favoring a more comprehensive role and reported greater comfort and confidence with screening and counseling. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]