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Bulford E, Baloch S, Neil J, Hegarty K. Primary healthcare practitioners' perspectives on trauma-informed primary care: a systematic review. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 25:336. [PMID: 39266947 PMCID: PMC11391631 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02573-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to domestic and family violence is a pervasive form of complex trauma and a major global public health problem. At the frontline of the health system, primary healthcare practitioners are uniquely placed to support individuals with experiences of trauma, yet their views on trauma-informed primary care are not well understood. This systematic review of qualitative literature sought to explore primary healthcare practitioners' perspectives on trauma-informed primary care. METHODS Eight databases were searched up to July 2023. Studies were included if they consisted of empirical qualitative data, were conducted in general practice or equivalent generalist primary healthcare settings, and included the perspectives of primary healthcare practitioners where they could be distinguished from other participants in the analysis. Thematic synthesis was used for analysis. RESULTS 13 papers met inclusion criteria, representing primary care settings from the United States, Canada, Australia, and Norway. Three key themes were developed: Changing the paradigm, Building trust, and Navigating the emotional load. Findings shed light on how primary healthcare practitioners perceive and strive to practise trauma-informed primary healthcare and the challenges of navigating complex, trauma-related work in the primary care environment. CONCLUSIONS This review supports the need for recognition of the value of primary care in supporting patients with histories of trauma and violence, the development of interventions to mitigate the emotional load worn by primary healthcare practitioners, and further work to develop a deep and consistent understanding of what trauma-informed primary care encompasses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Bulford
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Surriya Baloch
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennifer Neil
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of General Practice, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kelsey Hegarty
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Matoy LS, Tarimo FS, Kosia EM, Mkunda JJ, Weisser M, Mtenga S. Healthcare Workers' Experiences and Challenges in Managing Gender-Based Violence Among HIV-Positive Women Living in Southern, Tanzania: A Qualitative Study. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2024; 16:275-287. [PMID: 39011509 PMCID: PMC11249112 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s438672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Healthcare workers (HCW) play an important role in managing women living with HIV (WLHIV) with gender-based violence (GBV) experience, but little is known about their experience in screening and managing GBV among WLHIV. This study explored the perceptions and experience of the HCWs on screening and managing GBV cases among WLHIV. Patients and Methods We performed a descriptive phenomenological qualitative study to elicit the views and experience of HCW on GBV screening and management for WLHIV. The study was conducted in the semi-urban setting in Morogoro Region, Tanzania. Ten in-depth interviews (IDIs) were administered to HCW selected purposefully based on their roles at an HIV care and treatment center. Data were transcribed using patterns matching study aim and then merged into relevant themes for analysis and interpretation. NVIVO software version 12 was used for data coding and analysis. Results We found that HCW experienced multiple challenges in GBV screening and management, including limited capacity for GBV screening and management; inadequate training on assessment and handling GBV cases, limited resources (time, GBV guidelines and screening tools), inadequate GBV referral and monitoring systems; referral forms for GBV survivors to social support centers and follow-up mechanisms to trace survivors, mental aspects; HCWs' fear of being stressed by listening to women's' GBV traumatic experiences, HCWs' fear of causing problems to the women's families and HCW biased notions on women disclosure of GBV; the believes that women will not report their GBV experiences. Conclusion We identified context-specific challenges preventing HCW to deliver optimal services of GBV to WLHIV, stressing the necessity to strengthen HCW capacity and resources for GBV services and to integrate psychosocial services into HIV care. Policy and programs should be developed to support GBV screening and management for WLHIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila S Matoy
- Interventions and Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Morogoro, Tanzania
- The Nelson Mandela, African Institution of Science and Technology, Tengeru, Arusha, Tanzania
- Chronic Diseases Clinic of Ifakara, St. Francis Referral Hospital, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Felista S Tarimo
- The Nelson Mandela, African Institution of Science and Technology, Tengeru, Arusha, Tanzania
- Environmental Health and Ecological Sciences, Ifakara Health Institute, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Efraim M Kosia
- The Nelson Mandela, African Institution of Science and Technology, Tengeru, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Josephine J Mkunda
- The Nelson Mandela, African Institution of Science and Technology, Tengeru, Arusha, Tanzania
| | - Maja Weisser
- Interventions and Clinical Trials, Ifakara Health Institute, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Chronic Diseases Clinic of Ifakara, St. Francis Referral Hospital, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, 4031, Switzerland
- University of Basel, Basel, 4002, Switzerland
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Allschwil, 4123, Switzerland
| | - Sally Mtenga
- Health System Impact Evaluation and Policy, Ifakara Health Institute, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania
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Lin SC, Chang KSG, Marjavi A, Chon KY, Dichter ME, DuBois Palardy J. Intimate Partner Violence and Human Trafficking Screening and Services in Primary Care Across Underserved Communities in the United States-Initial Examination of Trends, 2020-2021. Public Health Rep 2024:333549241239886. [PMID: 38562004 DOI: 10.1177/00333549241239886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) began collecting data on intimate partner violence (IPV) and human trafficking (HT) in the 2020 Uniform Data System (UDS). We examined patients affected by IPV and HT served by HRSA-funded health centers in medically underserved US communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We established a baseline and measured trends in patient care by analyzing data from the 2020 (N = 28 590 897) and 2021 (N = 30 193 278) UDS. We conducted longitudinal ordinal logistic regression analyses to assess the association of care trends and organization-level and patient characteristics using proportional odds ratios (PORs) and 95% CIs. RESULTS The number of clinical visits for patients affected by IPV and HT decreased by 29.4% and 88.3%, respectively, from 2020 to 2021. Health centers serving a higher (vs lower) percentage of pediatric patients were more likely to continuously serve patients affected by IPV (POR = 2.58; 95% CI, 1.01-6.61) and HT (POR = 6.14; 95% CI, 2.06-18.29). Health centers serving (vs not serving) patients affected by IPV were associated with a higher percentage of patients who had limited English proficiency (POR = 1.77; 95% CI, 1.02-3.05) and Medicaid beneficiaries (POR = 2.88; 95% CI, 1.48-5.62), whereas health centers serving (vs not serving) patients affected by HT were associated with a higher percentage of female patients of reproductive age (POR = 15.89; 95% CI, 1.61-157.38) and urban settings (POR = 1.74; 95% CI, 1.26-2.37). CONCLUSIONS The number of clinical visits for patients affected by IPV and HT during the COVID-19 pandemic declined. Delayed care will pose challenges for future health care needs of these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sue C Lin
- Bureau of Primary Health Care Office of Quality Improvement, Health Resources and Services Administration, US Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | - Anna Marjavi
- Futures Without Violence, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Katherine Y Chon
- Office of Trafficking in Persons, Administration for Children and Families, US Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Melissa E Dichter
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Temple University School of Social Work, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Klemets L, Makenzius M. Exposure to violence and associated factors among abortion-seeking women - A multicentre study in Sweden during the Covid-19 pandemic. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2024; 39:100927. [PMID: 38039662 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2023.100927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate factors associated with exposure to violence over the past 12 months among women seeking abortion. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study, nested within a multi-center questionnaire survey, involving 623 abortion-seeking women in Sweden from January to June 2021. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and multivariate regression analysis (using odds ratios [OR] and 95% confidence intervals [CI]) were employed. RESULTS Out of the 623 women, 9.9% (n = 59) reported exposure to physical, psychological, and/or sexual violence in the past 12 months. Several factors were correlated with being a victim of violence. However, after adjustment in the regression model, the significant factors included: age 16-26 (OR 2.37, 95% CI; 1.24-4.52, p <.009), poor physical and mental well-being prior to pregnancy (OR 3.29; CI 1.69-6.40, p <.001), having had ≥ 2 previous abortions (OR 2.27, 95% CI; 1.16-4.44, p =.017), and being single (OR 4.70, 95% CI; 2.51-8.77, p <.001). CONCLUSION Nearly one in ten women seeking abortion reported exposure to violence in the preceding year. Being young, having poor physical and mental health, undergoing multiple abortions, and singlehood emerge as risk factors for violence exposure. Abortion providers have a crucial role and should consistently identify women exposed to violence, offering them the necessary guidance and referrals for further support.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Klemets
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - M Makenzius
- Department of Health Care Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden; Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Peeren S, McLindon E, Tarzia L. "Counteract the gaslighting" - a thematic analysis of open-ended responses about what women survivors of intimate partner sexual violence need from service providers. BMC Womens Health 2024; 24:110. [PMID: 38336660 PMCID: PMC10858602 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-024-02943-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intimate partner sexual violence (IPSV) is a prevalent but misunderstood form of gender-based violence with significant impacts women's health and well-being. Research suggests that IPSV has a specific context and unique impacts, but little is known about how to tailor service responses. To address this gap, we explored help-seeking experiences and needs among IPSV survivors after disclosure. METHODS This study draws on qualitative data from a subsample of women who participated in a cross-sectional survey about the service needs of intimate partner violence survivors. Women who reported IPSV and provided information about IPSV-specific help-seeking needs after disclosure were included in the analysis. Open-ended text responses of 37 IPSV survivors were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS IPSV was invisible and silenced in service responses. Three themes suggest potential ways forward. In the first theme, 'Don't dismiss it', women needed providers to take their disclosures seriously and listen to the significant impacts of IPSV on their well-being and safety. In the second theme, 'See the bigger picture', women needed service providers to understand that IPSV fits into broader patterns of abuse, and that psychological abuse and coercive control impacts women's ability to consent. In the third theme, 'counteract the gaslighting', women needed providers to educate them about the continuum of IPSV and help them label IPSV as a form of violence. CONCLUSIONS Our exploratory findings extend the limited evidence base on IPSV and highlight a need for further in-depth research to explore a tailored approach to supporting IPSV survivors. To avoid contributing to the silencing of IPSV survivors, service responses should recognise the harmful and sexualised nature of IPSV, challenge cultural stereotypes that minimise IPSV, and understand that co-occurring psychological abuse may exacerbate shame and prevent women from articulating the source of their distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Síofra Peeren
- Section of Women's Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
- Service User Research Enterprise, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Elizabeth McLindon
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Family Violence Prevention, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura Tarzia
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Family Violence Prevention, The Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Lévesque S, Rousseau C, Raynault-Rioux L, Laforest J. Canadian service providers' perspectives on reproductive coercion and abuse: a participatory action research to address their needs and support their actions. Reprod Health 2023; 20:100. [PMID: 37391776 PMCID: PMC10311789 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01640-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive coercion and abuse (RCA) is a form of violence that affects sexual and reproductive health. Women and individuals who experienced RCA in an intimate relationship frequently consult service providers (SPs), such as health professionals or violence counselors. The objective of this article, which is the result of a participative action research project targeting RCA perpetrated by in an intimate partner, is twofold: (1) to better understand the practices as well as the barriers and facilitators encountered by SPs and (2) to develop information and awareness tools with them that meet their needs. To this end, we first held focus groups with 31 SPs. The use of thematic analysis revealed intervention strategies that focus on caring and listening, identifying signs of RCA, and creating a safe environment for disclosure. Their practices also focused on harm-reduction strategies and effective referrals. Despite the importance they gave to this issue, lack of time, inappropriate settings, and inadequate training hindered them from intervening effectively with individuals who were victims of RCA. They also indicated the need for easy-to-follow practice guidelines and patient education tools. Based on these findings and the best practices identified in the grey and scientific literature, we developed a practice guide for SPs and a booklet on RCA. The development of these guide and booklets involved a lot of back and forth to meet the needs expressed by the community and health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Lévesque
- Sexology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal, CP 8888, Succ. Centre-Ville, Montréal, QC, H3C 3P8, Canada.
| | - Catherine Rousseau
- Population Health, Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Julie Laforest
- Population Health and Well-Being, Institut National de Santé Publique du Québec, Montréal, Canada
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Hegarty KL, Andrews S, Tarzia L. Transforming health settings to address gender‐based violence in Australia. Med J Aust 2022; 217:159-166. [PMID: 35796723 PMCID: PMC9546247 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Gender‐based violence includes intimate partner violence, sexual violence and other harmful acts directed at people based on their gender. It is common in Australia and causes great ill health, especially for women victims/survivors, with Indigenous women particularly affected. Health services are an opportune place for early intervention for victims/survivors of gender‐based violence as they attend frequently. Interventions that are evidence‐based and respond to consensus from victim/survivor voices include universal education, screening in antenatal care, first line supportive care, and referral for advocacy and psychological interventions, including mother–child work. Health care staff require training, protocols, scripts, referral pathways, understanding of cultural safety and antiracist practice in service delivery, and leadership support to undertake this sensitive work, including support, if needed, for their own experiences of gender‐based violence. Using a trauma‐, violence‐ and gender‐informed approach across health systems, taking into account structural inequities, is essential to sustain the gender‐based violence work in health services. Gender‐based violence experienced by Indigenous women is distinct and of urgent concern as rates rapidly increase. Inequities across the health system are pronounced for Indigenous women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey L Hegarty
- Safer Families Centre University of Melbourne Melbourne VIC
- Centre for Family Violence Prevention, Royal Women’s Hospital Melbourne VIC
| | - Shawana Andrews
- Safer Families Centre University of Melbourne Melbourne VIC
- Melbourne Poche Centre for Indigenous Health University of Melbourne Melbourne VIC
| | - Laura Tarzia
- Safer Families Centre University of Melbourne Melbourne VIC
- Centre for Family Violence Prevention, Royal Women’s Hospital Melbourne VIC
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