Feasibility of Screening for Intimate Partner Violence at Orthopedic Trauma Hospitals in India

• NCJ Number: 245648
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 28 Issue: 7 Dated: May 2013 Pages: 1455-1475
• Author(s): Zahra Sohani, M.Sc.; Harry Shannon, Ph.D.; Jason W. Busse, DC, Ph.D.; Diana Tikacz, M.S.W.; Parag Sancheti, M.B.B.S., M.S.; Mangesh Shende. BPTh; Mohit Bhandari, M.D., Ph.D.
• Date Published: May 2013
• Length: 21 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study investigated the feasibility of screening women for intimate partner violence (IPV) at a hospital in India.

Abstract

Intimate Partner Violence IPV involves behavior that causes physical, psychological, or sexual harm, and has significant health consequences. Given the prevalence of and impact of IPV, various organizations recommend routine IPV screening for women by health-care professionals. The authors investigated the feasibility of screening women for IPV at a hospital in India. Specifically, the authors assessed prevalence of IPV, method of questionnaire administration, response rate, availability of IPV related community services for referrals, environment of screening, and explored perspectives of health professionals regarding in-hospital screening. The authors administered two questionnaires to consenting women; the Composite Abuse Scale CAS and Woman Abuse Screening Tool WAST. Health professionals involved in conducting the study and in managing care for patients were also interviewed. Forty-seven patients were enrolled in the study. The most reported injury was fractures 39 percent CI 25 percent-54 percent and the greatest proportion involved spine and neck 28 percent CI 16 percent-43 percent. Prevalence of IPV was 30 percent CI 17 percent-45 percent according to the WAST and 40 percent CI 26 percent-56 percent according to the CAS. A majority of the participants used self-report as the method of questionnaire administration. Additionally, the self-report group had greater disclosure than the interview-administered group. The environment at this private hospital was considered adequate for screening and the authors found several IPV support networks in the community. However, health professionals were reluctant to screen for IPV. The findings suggest that screening for IPV at an orthopedic clinic in India is feasible. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.