Work

Public perceptions on routine use of screening tools for domestic abuse in health and social care settings: an exploratory cross-sectional study

Year: 2022

Type: preprint

Abstract: Background Domestic violence and abuse (DVA) is a rising societal concern with increased prevalence since the national lockdowns and remains largely under-detected by the medical community. Although screening increases early detection of abuse, current NICE guidelines which were produced before the advent of COVID-19 do not recommend routine DVA screening in primary care. Little is known about patient views regarding DVA screening in UK primary care. This exploratory survey assesses the public’s experiences and their views on routine DVA screening. Methods An open, easily accessible anonymous 27-item eSurvey made available on the Imperial College London Qualtrics platform between 8 March and 27 September 2021 was used to collect data from community dwelling adults. Potentially eligible participants were contacted via email through community groups in Northwest London catchment area, and using adverts on social media. The survey targeted a wider population in the community, including those who were 18 years and over, living in the UK and spoke English. The eSurvey also included information on accessible support services. Data were summarised using frequencies and percentages. Regression analysis explored the association between WAST-short questions and previous exposure to abuse. Results Data from 298 community-dwelling adults was analysed. A third of respondents confirmed having experienced DVA, and another 6.4% declined disclosure. The univariable analysis suggested that those with a history of abuse compared to those with no history were 11 times more likely to have tension in the relationship and nine times more likely to have difficulty working out arguments. After adjusting for a-priori confounders (age, gender and ethnicity), those who answered ‘would rather not say’ appeared to be 34 times more likely to have tension in the relationship, and 17 times more likely to have difficulty working out arguments. Nearly two-thirds of the study population recommended routine screening in general practice using a short-validated tool. Conclusion The routine use of the already established screening tool such as WAST-short in primary care could help identify and potentially tackle DVA in our society. Training health and social care professionals in administering the brief, non-threatening DVA screening questionnaire would help raise awareness, identify and support victims.

Source: Research Square

DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1858953/v1