Primary Care Physicians’ Cognizance of Screening for Intimate PartnerViolence Among the Antenatal Population in Region 4 in Guyana
Introduction
Pregnancy is a critical time for screening for IPV due to the vulnerability
of women and the potential changes in their physical, mental, social, and economic
well-being.
Objectives
This study assessed whether physicians in primary care practice screen
pregnant mothers for intimate partner violence. Physicians’ awareness of their role in
screening, barriers to screening, and the presence of a screening tool were explored.
Method
A cross-sectional study was conducted, utilizing doctors at 27 primary
healthcare facilities in Region 4. A total of 58 physicians participated in this study
during the period of September-December 2023. Data were automatically analyzed
from Survey Monkey and represented on graphs.
Results
13.7% of the physicians were not knowledgeable of the term “Intimate Partner
Violence”. The majority of physicians (88%) recognized screening for IPV in pregnancy
(IPV-P) as part of their role. However, most physicians did not screen for IPV-P (63.8%).
For those who screened, it was not done according to the screening guidelines of the
American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG). Barriers to IPV-P screening:
a lack of recognition that screening was a part of the role of physicians (34.4%), an
absence of domestic violence screening policies and reminder systems (29.3%), a lack of
confidence in undertaking IPV-P screening (13.7%), and a lack of time (12%).
Conclusion
Almost two-thirds of doctors did not routinely screen for IPV-P. A third of
physicians in this study failed to recognize that screening for IPV-P is part of their
responsibilities. Significant shortcomings exist across the healthcare system due to IPV
screening barriers.
Recommendations
A need for potential interventions to enhance screening for IPV-P by
physicians in Region 4 and likely all across Guyana.
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