Intimate Partner Violence Educational Materials in the Acute Care Setting: Acceptability and Impact on Female Caregiver Attitudes Toward Screening.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine acceptability of intimate partner violence (IPV) materials and effect of the materials on caregiver attitudes toward IPV screening.

METHODS

We used an anonymous computerized survey to assess approval of IPV materials and screening, and willingness to disclose IPV in response to screening among mothers bringing a child to an urban pediatric emergency department or 2 suburban pediatric urgent care centers affiliated with a free-standing academic children's hospital. We compared responses between participants recruited before and after display of the IPV materials, as well as between subgroups, using χ2 tests.

RESULTS

A total of 522 participated (predisplay, n = 261; postdisplay, n = 261). More subjects in the postdisplay group approved of display of IPV materials in pediatric emergency department/urgent care center restrooms (94% pre vs 98% post, P = 0.04) and examination rooms (94% pre vs 98% post, P = 0.01). We found no differences in acceptability of IPV screening between the pre and post groups (73% pre and post, P = 0.92). Willingness to disclose IPV in response to screening was higher in the postdisplay group for those with a personal IPV history (55% pre, 73% post; P = 0.02), African Americans (60% pre, 78% post; P = 0.02), and those with a high school degree or less education (66% pre, 77% post; P = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Intimate partner violence materials in this study were acceptable to most participants and did not negatively impact attitudes toward IPV screening or willingness to disclose IPV. Display of IPV materials should be considered as a component of IPV intervention.