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The Association Between Social Support, Violence, and Social Service Needs Among a Select Sample of Urban Adults in Baltimore City

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Abstract

Experiencing violence has been associated with negative health outcomes. The objectives of this study were to determine whether experiencing violence is associated increased support service needs and suboptimal general health indicators. In addition, we explore the relationship between these and perceived social support among a select sample of urban predominantly male adults in Baltimore City. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 187 adults being seen in one of seven urban partner agencies participating in a parent HIV prevention and treatment demonstration project. Associations were examined using a multivariable logistic regression model, adjusting for the clinic site at which the client was being seen as well as age and gender identity. There was a significant amount of violence experienced by this population; 131 (72%) reported having seen someone be physically assaulted, and 89 (49%) had been physically assaulted without a weapon. Direct victimization from violence was associated with a threefold increased odds of needing housing and mental health/substance use services. Exposure to violence was associated with a threefold increase in needing housing and mental health/substance use services, and with sub-optimal health status. Perceived social support was associated with 30% decreased reports of experiencing violence. In conclusion, our select sample of urban adults report having experienced high rates of violence, and this is associated with increased support service needs as well as suboptimal perceived health status. Incorporating care for the effects of experiencing violence as well as social service needs are important in optimizing the health of urban populations.

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Funding

This study was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grants (Co-PIs: Jennings, Greenbaum) entitled Health Department Demonstration Projects for Comprehensive Prevention, Care, Behavioral Health, and Social Services for Men Who Have Sex with Men of Color at Risk for and Living with HIV Infection (Grant No. PS15-1509), and Health Department Demonstration Projects to Reduce HIV Infections and Improve Health Outcomes for Men Who Have Sex with Men of Color at Risk for and Living with HIV Infection (Grant No. PS15-1506).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Child and Community Health Research, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Aruna Chandran, Amanda Long, Jeannie Murray, Errol L. Fields, Christina M. Schumacher & Jacky M. Jennings

  2. Departments of Epidemiology and Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, #W6501, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA

    Aruna Chandran

  3. Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Ashley Price & Adena Greenbaum

  4. Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA

    Errol L. Fields & Jacky M. Jennings

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  1. Aruna Chandran
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  2. Amanda Long
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Correspondence to Aruna Chandran.

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This study was reviewed and approved by the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine IRB.

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Chandran, A., Long, A., Price, A. et al. The Association Between Social Support, Violence, and Social Service Needs Among a Select Sample of Urban Adults in Baltimore City. J Community Health 45, 987–996 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10900-020-00817-9

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