The use of exploratory factor analysis in evaluating midwives' attitudes and stereotypical myths related to the identification and management of domestic violence in practice.

OBJECTIVE

to investigate the suitability of the 'Midwives' Attitudes to Domestic Violence Scale' for evaluating midwives' attitudes and stereotypical myths related to the identification and management of domestic violence in practice. Other objectives were to assess midwives' perceived role and experience of raising the issue of domestic violence with their clients, and to assess their perceived prevalence of domestic violence in their current practice.

DESIGN

survey using a postal quesnionnaire. The questionnaire included a scale on attitudes to, and stereotypical myths surrounding, domestic violence within maternity care, and assessed demographic details.

SETTING

Northern Ireland.

PARTICIPANTS

861 hospital and community midwives.

FINDINGS

488 midwives returned a completed questionnaire leading to a 57% response rate. Exploratory factor analysis of the 22-item attitude questionnaire produced three factors that accounted for 36% of the variance: namely, factor 1: non-susceptible to myths; factor 2: training and information; and factor 3: confidence. In general, as indicated by the mean summary score, most of the midwives (82%) did not subscribe to the numerous stereotypical myths surrounding domestic violence. Similarly, there was general agreement with issues associated with factor 2: training and information (mean summary score 74%). Importantly, however, factor 3, associated with confidence levels, indicated that, in general, midwives lacked confidence in dealing with the issues addressing domestic violence (mean summary score 33%).

KEY CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

the measure provides a reliable method for assessing midwives' attitudes and training needs for identifying and dealing with domestic abuse. It may also serve to evaluate training and policy interventions in domestic violence.