Citation

Suryavanshi N, Naik S, Waghmare S, Gupte N, Khan S, Mave V, Deluca A, Gupta A, Golub J, Bollinger RC, Shankar A. BMC Womens Health 2018; 18(1): e19.

Affiliation

Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group - BMC)

DOI

10.1186/s12905-018-0515-2

PMID

29334936

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gender-based violence (GBV) is a major global public health concern and is a risk factor for adverse health outcomes. Early identification of GBV is crucial for improved health outcomes. Interactions with health care providers may provide a unique opportunity for routine GBV screening, if a safe, confidential environment can be established.

METHODS: Between November 2014 and February 2015, a cross-sectional, observational study was conducted where women were interviewed about their opinions concerning GBV screening in a tertiary health care setting in Pune, India. Trained counsellors interviewed 300 women at different out-patient and in-patient departments using a semi-structured questionnaire.

RESULTS: Twenty-three percent of these women reported experiencing GBV in their life. However, 90% of women said they had never been asked about GBV in a health care setting. Seventy-two percent expressed willingness to be asked about GBV by their health care providers, with the preferred provider being nurses or counsellors. More than half (53%) women reported face-to-face interview as the most preferred method for screening. There were no major differences in these preferences by GBV history status.

CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides evidence for preferred GBV screening methods and optimal provider engagement as perceived by women attending a public hospital.

Language: en

Keywords

Face-to-face interview; Gender based violence; Screening; Women and violence