PURPOSE: To determine if characteristics of the physician and patient influence the probability of domestic violence screening.
METHODS: The study includes the first appointment of all females 18 or over who were patients of Coastal Family Medicine Center in Wilmington, NC between April, 1997 and November, 1999. The variables in the study include; if patient was screened, patient’s age, race, gender, and marital status. In addition, physician’s race, gender, age, and whether the physician was faculty or a resident are included. Prevalence of screening was cross-analyzed between characteristics of the patient, physician, and similarities of the patient and physician. The Chi-Square statistic was used to determine significance.
RESULTS: Only 32.6% of 1580 females were screened for domestic violence. Patient characteristics were not related to screening. However, Female physicians (p<.001), white physicians (p<.05), and physicians over 40 (p<.001) were more likely to screen. Faculty were more likely to screen (p<.001). Women of the same race (p<.001) and age group (p<.05) as their physician were more likely to be screened.
CONCLUSION: This suggests that family physicians may not be screening for domestic violence as recommended by various organizations. There is a relationship between physician characteristics, shared characteristics of the physician and patient and screening for domestic violence. Contrary to previous research, physicians who share similar characteristics as their patients are more likely to screen for domestic violence. Interventions should be made so all physicians will begin screening regularly for domestic violence.
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Screening
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Coastal Family Medicine Center and Residency Program
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am currently working on a grant with Coastal Family
Medicine Center and Residency Program. Half of my salary
is paid via this grant.