Citation

Jaffee KD, Epling JW, Grant W, Ghandour RM, Callendar E. J. Womens Health (Larchmont) 2005; 14(8): 713-720.

Affiliation

School of Social Work, College of Human Services and Health Professions, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, Mary Ann Liebert Publishers)

DOI

10.1089/jwh.2005.14.713

PMID

16232103

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) causes approximately 2 million injuries and 1300 deaths each year. Despite the high frequency of IPV among women seeking healthcare, only a small proportion report being asked by healthcare professionals about abuse. This study examined perceived barriers to IPV screening among obstetricians/gynecologists, family physicians, and internists, so that protocols for IPV training can be tailored to those particular areas of difficulty. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 143 obstetricians and gynecologists, family practice physicians, and internists in a medium-sized upstate New York city was conducted. Factor analysis was performed. Two IPV barrier domains emerged and were examined using a multivariate analysis to determine associations between the domains and physician characteristics. Results: For general knowledge, there were greater perceived barriers if the respondent was male but fewer perceived barriers if the respondent was an obstetrician/gynecologist and fewer perceived barriers if the respondent had 5-10 years in practice. For practice policy, there were greater perceived barriers if the physician was in a private practice setting and fewer perceived barriers if the physician was an obstetrician/gynecologist. Conclusions: These findings provide direction for training in IPV recognition. They support a need for continued training throughout the physician's career. More importantly, the findings support a need for better practice systems to encourage routine screening for IPV by healthcare providers.