Citation

Zobbi VF, Alberti S, Fumagalli S, Colciago E, Nespoli A. Women Health 2022; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/03630242.2022.2148804

PMID

36397268

Abstract

Violence during pregnancy has serious health consequences. Several scientific societies recommend introducing domestic violence screening in clinical practice, but it is poorly employed. This study aimed to explore midwives' perspective regarding how, where, and when to conduct intimate partner violence screening during pregnancy to increase its clinical application. We performed a qualitative study using a hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Eleven midwives were recruited, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Content analysis was conducted. Six main themes emerged: "the healthcare providers involved," "the best place to investigate," "the best time to ask," "how to investigate," "what facilitates investigations and women's disclosure," and "what hinders investigations and women's disclosure." Most interviewees believed that midwives are the most suitable healthcare providers to investigate violent situations during pregnancy because the continuity of midwifery care can facilitate women's disclosure. Midwives emphasized the importance of an environment where women's privacy is respected. Midwives did not consider it appropriate to ask about domestic violence at the first antenatal appointment. Most believed that the best way to investigate domestic violence depends on the context and the woman's personal history.

Language: en

Keywords

Domestic violence; midwifery; screening for intimate partner violence; violence in pregnancy