MEDICAL STUDENTS' BELIEFS TOWARDS SCREENING FOR INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Researchers have found that medical students receiving training on intimate partner violence (IPV) report greater comfort with screening for IPV, and improved IPV interviewing skills than their counterparts. However, more information is needed about medical students' intention to screen, and beliefs towards screening for IPV. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to qualitatively assess these beliefs by conducting semi-structured interviews with medical students (N=15) using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) as theoretical frameworks for the interview instrument. Most students felt that screening for IPV could help to identify victims, but also offend patients. Reported barriers included time, while reported facilitators included receiving IPV training. Interviewees identified physicians as both supporters and non-supporters of IPV screening. Behavioral intention scores ranged from 17 to 50. Findings from the study can help inform the IPV training needs of medical students.