Background
Stalking is a serious public health and societal concern affecting many college women.
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore college women's experiences of stalking.
The specific aims were to compare victims and nonvictims on physical and mental health
indicators and to identify lifestyle changes made in response to being stalked.
Methods
In this cross-sectional design, 601 women from two universities completed a stalking
questionnaire, a mental health screening tool, and an injury checklist. Data analysis
included frequencies, multivariate analysis of variance, analysis of variance, and
χ2 analysis.
Results
A quarter of the sample reported experiencing stalking, most often by an intimate
or dating partner. Individuals who reported experiencing stalking reported significantly
more mental health symptoms and lower perceived physical health status than individuals
who did not. Victims reported changing routines, behaviors, and activities.
Conclusions
Psychiatric nurses must be knowledgeable about stalking and its impact on health.
Nurses can provide support, services, and community referrals.
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© 2006 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
