Registered Nurses’ understanding, knowledge and perceptions of the association between sexually transmitted infections and domestic violence

Preparedness of Australian and British nurses and midwives about domestic violence and abuse

BACKGROUND

Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is a major health problem that affects individuals across the world. Nurses, midwives and healthcare providers need to be confident and competent in identifying and responding to DVA.

AIMS

To measure current levels of knowledge, opinions and preparedness towards DVA and how it is managed by registered nurses and midwives residing in Australia and the UK.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study design was used. Data were collected using the Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey (PREMIS) measuring the perceived preparation and knowledge, actual knowledge, opinions and practice issues. Australian data were collected in 2018 and UK data were collected in 2017-2018. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data and differences in knowledge and attitudes of British and Australian nurses.

FINDINGS

Nurses and midwives (n = 368; 130 from Australia; 238 from the UK) responded to the survey. Minimal previous DVA training was reported by the participants. Participants had minimal knowledge about DVA, though had a positive attitude towards engaging with women experiencing DVA.

DISCUSSION

Most participants felt unprepared to ask relevant questions about DVA and had inadequate knowledge about available resources. Australian participants scored better than British participants; however, the mean difference in all aspects remained statistically insignificant.

CONCLUSION

Australian and British nurses and midwives have a positive attitude towards women experiencing DVA; however, the knowledge and skills to support women experiencing DVA are limited.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY

Nursing institutions should develop strategic policies regarding mandatory preparation and training of nurses for domestic violence assessment and management.

Reproductive and sexual health effects of intimate partner violence: A longitudinal and intergenerational analysis

OBJECTIVE

To examine the prevalence, pattern and predictors of sexual and reproductive adversity among Australian women who report intimate partner violence (IPV).

METHODS

Repeat measure design employing two cohorts (born between the years of 1973-78 and 1989-95) from the National Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health. Logistic regression was employed to examine the effects of reported IPV exposure on sexual and reproductive outcomes. The analysis conducted throughout 2021-2022 investigated both longitudinal prevalence and outcomes, and the intergenerational differences between these cohorts.

RESULTS

IPV exposure was associated with increased odds of experiencing a range of sexual and reproductive health outcomes, including STI, endometriosis, infertility, termination and miscarriage, which increased with greater exposure to IPV. Our longitudinal results suggest a dose-dependent effect of IPV on STI outcomes. Significant intergenerational trends were also identified in the nature of IPV exposure and dependent outcomes. Sexual orientation had a significant predictive value for IPV, with women who identified as bisexual significantly more likely to report IPV (OR = 2.91, 95% CI).

CONCLUSION

Women who experience IPV are at significant risk of adverse sexual and reproductive outcomes. Healthcare professionals working with women who have diagnosed sexual and reproductive issues should inquire about IPV. Likewise, women who are exposed to IPV should undergo sexual and reproductive healthcare assessments, along with appropriate preventive measures, to assure sexual health. Future research should explore in greater detail the association between IPV and the sexual and reproductive outcomes among sexual minority women.