Abstract:

Objective: This descriptive study was performed to determine the opinions and practices of health professionals working in primary health care institutions on "domestic violence" against women. Method: The study was carried out in the primary health care institutions in the center of a province in the Marmara region. The universe constituted of totally 350 health professionals working at 34 primary health care institutions in the city center. No sample election was made, and complete universe was reached n=304 . The data were collected with two question forms prepared by the researchers, evaluated by computer, and presented as frequency distribution. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results: Of the health professionals, 54.6% suspected of domestic violence against women at least once in the whole work life. When the health professionals were asked what they did at such case, 60.2% stated that they asked questions to make the situation clear. Of the health professionals, 34.2% encountered women, who were victims of violence and asked for help. Almost all of the health professionals 92.8% considered domestic violence against women as a very important public health issue. Moreover, 70.1% agreed the statement that providing service to women who were victims of violence was very difficult, and 37.5% stated that they did not have enough time to take care of them. Conclusion: Domestic violence against women can be considered as a common issue seen in primary care, and health professionals consider it as an important health problem. On the other hand, health professionals working at primary health care institutions need to be trained to provide efficient service and interfere.

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