[Awareness and detection of domestic violence by clinical physicians].

Despite the fact that approximately 50% of Argentine women are estimated to experience domestic violence (DV) at some point in their lives, clinicians have historically not been formally trained in detecting and evaluating women at risk for DV. We surveyed general practitioners to assess their level of knowledge and practice styles regarding DV and their perception of need for training in this area. We surveyed 291 internists from 11 medical centers in 4 regions of the country. We used a 10 point scale to asses their knowledge of DV. Knowledge items were derived from McCauley's article on Battering Syndrome. We asked them about the frequency with which they discuss DV with their patients and had them rate their need for further training. A total of 175 surveys were completed (60% response), 66% were men, mean age was 46 yr and the average number of women patients seen per month was 143. The mean knowledge score was 4.6 (+/- 1.8)/10. On average, the respondents had discussed DV during the last month in 1.2 (+/- 0.22) opportunities and DV was diagnosed in 0.8 (+/- 0.18). 78% of physicians reported no previous training about DV; 65% considered themselves not properly equipped to diagnose or treat DV victims; 47% showed an interest in undergoing some type of formal training and 70% wanted written material. In conclusion, practicing clinicians in Argentina score poorly on knowledge assessment of domestic violence and perceive a need for additional training in this area.