Healthcare providers' readiness to screen for intimate partner violence in obstetrics and gynecology units in Amhara regional state referral hospitals, Ethiopia: validation and cross-sectional survey using the DVHCPSS tool.

Abstract

Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is most prevalent among women of reproductive age and can have lifelong consequences. Screening within healthcare settings represents a promising first step toward addressing IPV, with healthcare providers playing a central role in this response. A lack of healthcare provider readiness to screen for IPV may leave victims vulnerable to continued physical, psychological, sexual, and reproductive health problems. This study aimed to assess the readiness of healthcare providers to screen for IPV and to identify factors affecting screening practices in obstetrics and gynecology units of referral hospitals in Amhara regional state, Ethiopia.

Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted between 9 January and 4 February 2023. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select study participants. A pilot study was conducted to assess the reliability and construct validity of the tool, and data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The data were entered into EPI-Data version 4.6 and analyzed using STATA version 14. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to identify associated factors.

Result: From 409 study participants, 46.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 42-51] were ready to screen for IPV among reproductive-aged women. Being male [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.03-2.61], trained in IPV (AOR = 2.84, 95% CI: 1.64-4.94), favorable attitude toward IPV screening (AOR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.42-3.44), good knowledge of IPV (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.42-3.50), and availability of IPV guidelines in their working area (AOR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.07-2.81) were found to be significantly associated factors with healthcare providers' readiness to screen for IPV.

Conclusion: In this study, fewer than half of the healthcare providers were found to be ready to screen for IPV. Factors that significantly influenced their readiness included the availability of training on IPV, positive attitudes toward IPV screening, adequate knowledge about IPV, and access to IPV screening guidelines within their work environment.