A Study of Violence Among Hong Kong Young Adults and Associated Substance Use, Risky Sexual Behaviors, and Pregnancy

Violence Vict. 2016;31(5):985-996. doi: 10.1891/0886-6708.VV-D-13-00181. Epub 2016 Aug 12.

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the self-reported prevalence of violence perpetration and victimization among Hong Kong youths and the associated health risk behaviors using a representative sample of 1,126 young adults aged 18-27 years. Perpetrating physical and emotional violence was common in Hong Kong, with prevalences ranging from 20.8% to 38.3% in males and from 6.4% to 21.3% in females. Victimization of physical and emotional violence was also common for both sexes, with prevalences ranging from 16.4% to 36.3% in males and from 6.6% to 19.2% in females. Perpetration of sexual harassment and sexual violence was less prevalent, whereas victimization of sexual harassment and sexual violence ranged from 0.6% to 3.6% in males and from 2.3% to 13.2% in females. Both violence perpetration and victimization among youths were significantly associated with substance use, risky sexual behaviors, and pregnancy. The implications of this study for violence prevention programs are discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Courtship
  • Crime Victims / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Hong Kong / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pregnancy
  • Prevalence
  • Risk-Taking*
  • Self Disclosure
  • Sexual Partners / psychology*
  • Spouse Abuse / statistics & numerical data*
  • Unsafe Sex / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult