Knowledge attitudes and practices of emergency care practitioners towards intimate partner violence

[摘要] ObjectiveIntimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant social and health concern in South Africa,with far reaching consequences. One in three South African women will experience IPV,and many of the survivors of IPV will have contact with Emergency Care Practitioners(ECPs), either for treatment related to the direct sequelae of the abuse or for other healthissues. ECPs already play a role in identifying and managing IPV but current knowledge,attitudes and practices were not known.The aim of the study therefore was to describe current levels of knowledge, attitudes andpractices regarding IPV amongst ECPs, including doctors, nurses and paramedics inSouth Africa and to describe differences according to the respondent's reported priortraining and profession.MethodsA prospective, cross sectional study was performed using an online survey administeredanonymously to ECPs in South Africa. Information regarding demographic data,qualification, prior IPV training, knowledge, attitudes and practices towards IPV wereobtained.ResultsOne hundred and fifty three respondents completed the survey. Of those 56% weredoctors, 33% paramedics and 9.8% nurses. In total 65% reporting having received notraining on IPV. There was a significant association between respondents reportinghaving received any IPV training and improved self-reported knowledge (p=0.0001), andactual knowledge (p=0.011).Of the respondents in clinical practice 75% had diagnosed IPV in the last six months,although the frequency of diagnoses being made is lower than would be suggested bythe South African prevalence rates. Those respondents who reported any prior trainingon IPV were more likely to have diagnosed IPV in the last 6 months (p= 0.0076) Most ofthe ECPs who diagnosed IPV counselled the patients on options and/or referred to policeand/or social workers.ConclusionAlthough ECPs are diagnosing and managing IPV, training in this important healthconcern is inadequate. Any reported training on IPV for ECPs improves self-reportedknowledge, actual knowledge and practices regarding IPV.

[发布机构] University of the Witwatersrand