Screening for Intimate Partner Violence in Healthcare in Kano, Nigeria: Extent and Determinants

There has been increased advocacy to involve healthcare providers in domestic violence prevention through screening for it in healthcare. The extent and determinants of screening for Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) against women in a healthcare facility in Kano, Nigeria was assessed. Two hundred and seventy four healthcare providers responded to the Domestic violence healthcare provider survey probing the frequency of screening for IPV, staff attitudes towards domestic abuse, efficacy in screening, availability of support networks and staff/patient safety in regard to IPV inquiry. T-test and logistic regression were employed to study determinants of screening. The majority of participants (74%) had not screened for IPV during the preceding 3 months. Male gender, old age, and being of Yoruba ethnic belonging increased the likelihood of screening. With increasing perceived efficacy and increasing blame of the victim for abuse the likelihood of screening for IPV increased. Implications of findings for staff education and research are discussed.