Citation

Scott J, Polak S, Kisielewski M, McGraw-Gross M, Johnson K, Hendrickson M, Lawry L. Int. J. Health Plann. Manage. 2013; 28(3): e188-216.

Affiliation

Division of Women's Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/hpm.2144

PMID

23108942

Abstract

CONTEXT: National and international strategies were implemented in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). OBJECTIVES: The objective was to assess community attitudes of SGBV and health facility capacity to address SGBV in eastern DRC. DESIGN AND SETTING: The design and setting are as follows: a cross-sectional, population-based cluster survey of 998 adults in eastern DRC territories, a convenience sample of 27 adults using semi-structured directed interviews, qualitative data from 37 focus groups conducted in three health zones, assessment of 64 health facilities and a comparative analysis of SGBV strategies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures opinions regarding SGBV prevention and justice and health facility capacity to address SGBV. RESULTS: The majority of respondents favored the legal system over community mediation to obtain justice for SGBV. However, 61.1% (95% CI, 51.8-70.5%) of SGBV survivors reported being forced to accept community mediation. Among SGBV survivors, 81.2% (95% CI, 74.5-87.8%) reported no available mental health care. Less than half of all respondents reported access to a hospital, clinic or pharmacy. The analyses and facility assessment reinforce the need to improve SGBV care. CONCLUSIONS: Mixed methodologies point to the complexities of addressing SGBV, assess key elements of SGBV prevention, justice and response, and may ultimately inform national and international strategies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Language: en