Domestic violence (DV) is a frequent health problem for women with adverse effects on children. We evaluated the feasibility of incorporating DV screening into a routine well-child visit by evaluating mothers’ and health care providers’ attitudes toward the DV screen. Methods: Postpartum mothers (n=110) were recruited 1-2 days post-delivery and informed consent obtained. Questionnaires regarding prior experiences and feelings concerning DV screening by obstetrical providers, were administered to the mothers. Pediatric providers voluntarily attended in-service education and were instructed to screen mothers for DV three times – once during each of the first three well-child visits (infant visit at 1-week, 2-months, and 4-months of age). Immediately following each well-child examination, a research assistant administered a brief questionnaire to the mothers to assess their experiences with the DV screen. Finally, pediatric providers were surveyed before and after the study to assess their knowledge, attitude, and experiences with DV screening project. Results: 89% of the mothers were screened for DV at least once during the three visits. The majority of mothers (90%) viewed the screening in a favorable light, and there were no significant differences among those mothers who screened positive vs. negative for DV. Most pediatric providers (77%) reported compliance with the DV screening protocol. Results of this study have important implications on developing DV screening protocols in pediatric ambulatory care settings.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. Describe the impact pediatric care providers have on routine screening and intervention for DV affecting the mothers of their patients. 2. Assess the level of comfort and acceptance of these procedures from the perspective of both provider and mother. 3. Identify barriers to routine DV screening and possible solutions to deal with them.
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Primary Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.