Exploring the intersection of heavy alcohol use and masculine norms as risk factors for male-to-female intimate partner violence: Evidence from an Australian national survey.

BACKGROUND AND

aimsEndorsement of traditional masculine norms and male alcohol use are identified risk factors for male-to-female intimate partner violence (MFIPV) perpetration, yet their interaction remains unexplored in Australia. This study aimed to estimate the associations between heavy male alcohol use, endorsement of traditional masculine norms and MFIPV perpetration, and test their interaction among Australian men. DESIGN AND

settingCross-sectional analysis of nationally representative data from Wave 1 (2013-2014) of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Male Health (Ten to Men).

participantsParticipants were 12 284 men who were Australian citizens or permanent residents aged 18 years or older who identified as heterosexual and answered any of the MFIPV items. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was lifetime MFIPV perpetration assessed through three items on frightening, physically harming or forcing sex on a partner. Predictors included past-year heavy episodic drinking (HED) and endorsement of masculine norms. Sociodemographics, other drug use, depression, anxiety and sexual performance problems were included as covariates. Multivariable logistic regression models with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to examine associations between sociodemographics, specific masculine norms, HED, total masculinity scores and perpetrating MFIPV. An interaction between HED and masculinity on MFIPV was also tested.

findingsOf the 12 284 men (M

conclusionsAmong Australian men, heavy episodic drinking appears to modify the association between traditional norms of masculinity and reporting male-to-female intimate partner violence, with stronger endorsement of traditional masculine norms associated with higher odds of perpetration among men reporting past-year heavy episodic drinking.