Perceptions and predictors of dating violence among nursing and midwifery students

Dating violence prevalence and factors associated among undergraduate public health students of Kathmandu metropolitan city, Nepal: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this research was to assess the prevalence of dating violence (DV) and factors associated among undergraduate public health students of Kathmandu metropolitan city (KMC), Nepal.

DESIGN

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving undergraduate public health students in Kathmandu. We recruited the students using probability proportionate sampling techniques. Data collection was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. The duration of study was from May 2022 to March 2023.

SETTING

We conducted a quantitative study among undergraduate students of 11 colleges out of 14 public health colleges located within Kathmandu.

PARTICIPANTS

352 public health students including both men and women were involved in the study. College-going students who were willing to give consent were included in the study.

OUTCOME MEASURE

A significant prevalence of DV was seen among undergraduate public health students of KMC. Both univariate and multivariate logistic regression techniques were applied to assess the relationship of factors associated with DV and reported adjusted ORs (aOR) with 95% CIs. All statistical analyses were executed using the SPSS V.24.

RESULTS

Among 352 respondents, 182 were having current or past dating relationships. The study shows that the majority (78.02%) of respondents had experienced DV during the time of study or any time in the past. DV was more likely among male participants (aOR 3.95, 95% CI 1.14 to 13.58) and whose partners consumed alcohol (aOR 4.58, 95% CI 1.70 to 12.34). Participants who had ever been exposed to violence done by family members were more likely to experience DV (aOR 5.97, 95% CI 1.39 to 25.49).

CONCLUSIONS

The study highlights a significant prevalence of DV among undergraduate public health students in Kathmandu, underscoring the urgency for implementing programmes aimed at addressing this issue.

Attitudes Toward Dating Violence, Social Impact, and Alexithymia in University Students: A Structural Equation Modeling

This research was conducted to determine the effects of social impact and alexithymia on attitudes toward dating violence. Additionally, the interaction between them was examined. In this context, the effect of social impact on alexithymia was also examined. In addition, this research tried to determine whether alexithymia has a mediating role between social impact and attitudes toward dating violence. The study was descriptive and cross-sectional. There was a total of 582 participants in the study. The study used the Sociodemographic Questionnaire Form, Social Impact Scale (SIS), 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and Dating Violence Scale (DVS) for data collection. The study used the descriptive statistics, spearman correlation analysis and structural equation modeling in the evaluation of the data. Participants' SIS scores had a statistically significant and positive correlation with their TAS-20 scores (p < .01), while they had a statistically significant and negative correlation with their DVS scores (p < .01). In addition, a statistically significant and negative correlation was found between TAS-20 scores and DVS scores (p < .01). SIS scores directly affected the TAS-20 (effect value = 0.481; p = .001) and DVS scores (effect value = -0.405; p = .001). Similarly, the TAS-20 scores had a direct effect on the DVS scores (effect value = -0.261; p = .008). In addition to this direct effect of TAS-20 scores, there was a significant mediator effect between the SIS scores and DVS scores (effect value = -0.126; p = .008). In this study, it was established that social impact effects both alexithymia and attitudes toward dating violence, and moreover, alexithymia influences attitudes toward dating violence. Additionally, it was identified that alexithymia serves as a mediator in the relationship between social impact and attitudes toward dating violence.

Violence on social networks related to the body image of young women and its repercussions on health

INTRODUCTION

Social networking sites perpetuate gender stereotypes, inequalities, and gender violence, generating adverse health effects.

METHODS

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between Instagram, alcohol consumption and effects on health, through interviews and discussion groups involving adolescents (high school or university students and workers), during the period from the third to the sixth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

A total of 118 individuals participated in the study. Three coding clusters were identified: (1) Inequality in the representation of men and women on SNSs; (2) Violence towards women's bodies and sexual violence on SNSs; and (3) Health problems derived from violence against women's body image on SNSs. The main focus of our analysis was the exhibition of the female body, in which eroticization of the body prevails and gender roles are perpetuated. Violence is generated towards women in the form of misogynistic attacks for daring to challenge conventional stereotypes. Many interviewees coincide that the main health effects include low self-esteem, anxiety and eating disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

The institutional response to the abuses and violence committed on SNSs against women is weak, and public policies are needed to protect women in these environments where they are especially vulnerable.

Experience of verbal violence among Chinese nursing students in clinical practice: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Workplace violence is prevalent in the nursing profession, and as a relatively junior link of the professional hierarchy, nursing students are not immune to it. Among these, verbal violence may have more serious consequences for the victims than physical violence, but the literature on verbal violence among nursing students in Chinese clinical settings is limited.

AIMS

To explore the verbal violence experience among Chinese nursing students in clinical practice, and the strategies used by nursing students to cope with violence.

DESIGN

A descriptive qualitative study.

METHODS

From January 2022 to June 2022, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 nursing students in clinical practice by purposive snowball sampling. Nvivo12 software and inductive content analysis were used for data analysis. This paper followed the COREQ (Consolidated criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) guidance.

RESULTS

Through data analysis, three themes were defined:(1) Multiform verbal violence; (2) Hurting and impacting and (3) Struggling or Coping. The findings indicated that nursing students were subjected to multiple forms of verbal violence in clinical practice, not only from patients and caregivers, but also from peers such as clinical tutors and doctors, which not only harmed students' personal health and well-being, but may also contribute to the nursing industry's future loss of human resources. Seeking emotional support from others and forcing themselves to grow up were the most commonly used coping strategies.

CONCLUSION

Nursing educators and nursing managers need to pay attention to verbal violence in the clinical environment, and actively develop the ability of nursing students to deal with uncivilized behavior. Establishing relevant courses and training such as communication, resilience, and violence prevention, establishing a stricter clinical mentor appointment system, and teaching assessment system may be strategies to help nursing students better perform clinical practice.

The Moderating Role of Insecure Attachments on the Relationship between Controlling Behaviors and Violence Perpetration in Intimate Relationships

This study sought to examine the association between male-to-female physical, psychological, and sexual violence and controlling behaviors of male partners. Further, the moderating effect of insecure attachment style on this association was examined in the context of South Korea. Existing national data collected from a representative Korean sample of 2,000 unmarried men was utilized. Findings indicated controlling behaviors among men were positively and negatively associated with psychological and physical violence, respectively, and no association was observed with sexual violence against female partners. Anxious attachment moderated the relationship between control over partner and psychological abuse. The avoidant attachment was identified as a quasi and pure moderator for the associations between control over the partner and physical and sexual violence, respectively.

Attitude and preparedness of nursing students in Saudi Arabia concerning the managing of intimate partner violence

AIMS

To assess nursing students' attitudes, professional roles, perceived knowledge and preparedness in managing intimate partner violence.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used.

METHODS

The sample consisted of 191 nursing students from 14 universities in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected from November to December 2021 using the Inventory of Beliefs about Intimate Partner Violence, Nursing Roles and Values, Educational Preparedness and Self-Efficacy scales.

RESULTS

The students' attitudes, professional roles, perceived knowledge and preparedness were moderate. When nursing students perceived themselves as knowledgeable, they rejected intimate partner violence, were in favour of their roles in managing intimate partner violence and were confident in their abilities to deal with this issue in practice. Only a quarter of the participants had received education on intimate partner violence although more than half of them were in their fourth year. Female participants had experienced domestic violence/intimate partner violence at a greater rate than male participants. Nursing students who had been exposed to education on intimate partner violence rejected intimate partner violence, but those who experienced domestic violence/intimate partner violence had more tolerant attitudes.

CONCLUSION

This study helps identify potential barriers to preparing nursing students for providing care for victims of intimate partner violence. There is a lack of adequate intimate partner violence educational content in nursing curricula. Establishing effective intimate partner violence education that integrates clinical training in nursing schools is crucial for enhancing students' attitudes and confidence in managing intimate partner violence.

IMPACT

Intimate partner violence (IPV) against women is a major global health problem leading to serious long-term physical and mental health consequences. Nurses have professional roles to fulfil in preventing and managing IPV. Little is known about the attitudes and preparedness of nursing students to manage IPV, especially in the Middle East. Nursing students neither tolerated nor justified IPV and possessed moderate views about the role of nurses in managing it. The students believed that they had adequate knowledge, but their preparedness to manage IPV was lower than their perceived knowledge. A positive and significant relationship was found between IPV education and students' attitudes, although IPV education was not adequately established in undergraduate nursing programs in Saudi Arabia. The prevalence of domestic violence/IPV experiences among the participants was considerable and was higher among female participants. Personally experiencing violence had a significant negative influence on the students' attitudes toward IPV. Nursing curricula should include IPV education that offers training opportunities where the students are able to apply theory in practice. Nursing schools must provide support and consultation for students who are victims or survivors of domestic violence/IPV. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of IPV on students' attitudes and preparedness for managing it in clinical settings.

Gender-based violence attitudes and dating violence experiences of students in nursing and other health sciences: A multicentre cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Gender-based violence is a major public health problem. Healthcare providers' ability to identify this type of violence and support victims may be influenced by their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs, which requires solid education.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the gender-based violence attitudes and dating violence experiences of students in nursing and other health sciences.

DESIGN

A multicentre cross-sectional study was performed.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted in three faculties of the University of A Coruña, Spain.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were undergraduate students of nursing, podiatry, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy.

METHODS

The Attitudes towards Gender and Violence Questionnaire and the Dating Violence Questionnaire were used from October 2019 to March 2020. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated to determine associated factors and identify differences in gender-based violence attitudes and dating violence experiences between sexes and degrees.

RESULTS

Data from 459 students were analysed, of whom 180 (39.2 %) studied nursing. The mean age was 20.9 (SD = 3.6) and 76.0 % were women. Statistically significant differences were obtained in attitudes towards gender-based violence according to sex where men displayed more sexist attitudes and violence justification. Results showed a significant difference in attitudes regarding the biological usefulness of sexism and violence between students of nursing and other health sciences. 61.9 % of students had experienced one or more abusive behaviours in relationships; no significant differences were detected according to the degree. However, male students experienced dating violence more often than females. It was observed that students who had suffered dating violence showed greater agreement with sexist attitudes that justify violence.

CONCLUSION

Students of health sciences, particularly males and nursing students, show sexist attitudes that justify gender-based violence. They also frequently experience dating violence, especially psychological violence. It is necessary to intensify or include education on these types of violence in the curricula of degrees in health sciences.

The effects of irrational romantic relationship beliefs and experiences in close relationships on dating violence of nursing and midwifery students

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of irrational romantic relationship beliefs and experiences in close relationships on dating violence of nursing and midwifery students.

METHODS

This was a descriptive, correlational study. The study was conducted with 261 nursing and midwifery students in a university located in northeastern Turkey.

RESULTS

A negative and moderate correlation was found between students' dating violence with the use of social time and different thinking (p < 0.01). Anxious attachment (β = -3.241), secure attachment (β = -3.119), use of social time (β = -0.252), and different thinking (β = -2.788) were predictors of dating violence (p < 0.01).

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Nursing and midwifery students exposed to dating violence should be applied psychosocial interventions including motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Short version of the Multidimensional Scale of Dating Violence (MSDV 2.0) in Spanish-language: Instrument development and psychometric evaluation

AIMS

To develop and psychometrically test the short version of the Multidimensional Scale of Dating Violence (MSDV 2.0) in Spanish-language to detect violence perpetrated and suffered in dating relationships.

DESIGN

A psychometric instrument development and validation study.

METHODS

A two-phase approach was used: Phase (1) the items of the original instrument were revised and new items related to online violence and sexual violence were incorporated. Content validation by a Delphi panel with 25 psychometric and dating violence experts were performed. Next, a face validity was performed in 32 students followed by a pilot study in another 74 participants. Phase (2) Psychometric validation, the instrument was tested in a sample of 1091 university students, analysing the psychometric properties based on construct validity and internal consistency. The study was conducted from September to November 2020 in the context of the Andalusian Public University System.

RESULTS

In phase (1) 42 items for each subscale (perpetration, victimization) were accepted by the Delphi panel, and acceptable values were obtained for the criteria of clarity, coherence, and relevance. In phase (2) the MSDV 2.0 showed acceptable psychometric properties. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a five-dimensional structure with 18 items for each subscale with excellent fit rates. Reliability analysis indicated adequate internal consistency (α = .879-.802) and correlations with the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (ρ = .418-.225) and the self-perceived health item (ρ = .380-.179), providing evidence of its convergent validity. Cut-off points were also calculated for each dimension, with their corresponding sensitivity and specificity, indicating to be a good instrument for detecting possible cases of dating violence.

CONCLUSION

The MSDV 2.0 is the only short instrument published to date that measures the dating violence suffered and perpetrated taking into account all its dimensions. Its use would serve as support in prevention programs and design of public policies.

IMPACT

The short version of the MSDV 2.0 could be a comprehensive enough instrument to enable a detection and evaluation of dating violence in the educational setting.

Dating violence, violence in social networks, anxiety and depression in nursing degree students: A cross-sectional study

AIM

To determine the prevalence and risk factors for dating violence and the correlations between dating violence and violence in social networks, anxiety and depression among nursing students.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional and correlational study.

METHODS

This study was conducted with nursing degree students at Spanish university during May 2021. A total of 248 nursing students completed an online survey. The online survey included sociodemographic variables, the Conflict in Adolescent Dating Relationships Inventory, the Social Network Violence Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Chi-squared test, Pearson's correlation and logistic regression were used.

RESULTS

Of the participants, 13.3% were men and 86.7% were women. A total of 53.2% had experienced and/or perpetrated dating violence. About violence in social networks, 22.2% of the participants had perpetrated it, and 20.2% had been victims of it. Strong correlations were found between experiencing and perpetrating dating violence. Significant associated factors were cohabitation with a partner, alcohol consumption, socioeconomic status and history of dating violence.

CONCLUSIONS

Dating violence is a serious problem given its high prevalence among the surveyed nursing students, who, as future health professionals, must know how to recognize and react to possible cases of abuse.

IMPACT

The study results add to international literature that men and women university nursing students are equally susceptible to intimate partner violence and report similar prevalence of dating violence. Also, dating violence is correlated with increased levels of anxiety and depression. It seems to be necessary to implement training programmes that help minimize the problem and identify possible cases.

Gender roles and intimate partner violence among female university students in Spain: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Traditional gender roles (GRs) have a considerable influence on relationships among couples. These can lead to negative health effects in women; however, their impact on intimate partner violence (IPV) has been less explored, especially among younger women.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the association between traditional GRs and several indicators of IPV on a sample of Spanish female university students involved in heterosexual dating relationships.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study involving female university students (n = 1,005) pursuing ten degrees (four Health Science degrees and six Social Sciences degrees). Data were collected using two validated scales: 1) the Questionnaire on the Gender Determinants of Contraception (COGANT), used to examine four traditional GRs (submissive, blind, and passive attitudes of female students, and male dominance), and 2) the Dating Violence Questionnaire-R (DVQ-R) scale, used to measure five types of IPV-behaviors (coercion, detachment, humiliation, sexual violence, and physical violence), perceived fear, entrapment, and abuse. Logistic and linear regressions were conducted to study the association between GR and a series of IPV indicators in dating relationships.

RESULTS

Traditional GRs were highly prevalent (57.0% submissive, 52.0% blind attitude, 75.7% passive, and 31.7% identified their boyfriend as being dominant). Up to 66.3% experienced some type of violent behavior. All GRs were significantly associated with IPV indicators. A submissive attitude in female students was the GR that was most strongly associated to total IPV-behavior (adjusted odd ratio [OR] = 3.18; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.29-4.42), followed by male dominance (OR = 2.79: 95% CI:1.71: 4.54). Both GRs were also highly associated with perceived fear, entrapment, and abuse.

CONCLUSIONS

A high presence of traditional GRs was found in the relationships held by female university students, which was significantly associated with IPV indicators. Universities must adopt policies for gender equality and raise awareness on dating violence.