Abstract:
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health problem in Tanzania with limited health care interventions.
Objectives: To study the feasibility of using an abuse screening tool for women attending an outpatient
department, and describe how health care workers perceived its benefits and challenges.
Methods: Prior to screening, 39 health care workers attended training on gender-based violence and the
suggested screening procedures. Seven health care workers were arranged to implement screening in 3 weeks,
during March April 2010. For screening evaluation, health care workers were observed for their interaction
with clients. Thereafter, focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 21 health care workers among
those who had participated in the training and screening. Five health care workers wrote narratives. Women’s
responses to screening questions were analyzed with descriptive statistics, whereas qualitative content analysis
guided analysis of qualitative data.
Results: Of the 102 women screened, 78% had experienced emotional, physical, or sexual violence. Among
them, 62% had experienced IPV, while 22% were subjected to violence by a relative, and 9.2% by a work
mate. Two-thirds (64%) had been abused more than once; 14% several times. Almost one-quarter (23%)
had experienced sexual violence. Six of the health care workers interacted well with clients but three had
difficulties to follow counseling guidelines. FGDs and narratives generated three categories Just asking feels
good implied a blessing of the tool; what next? indicated ethical dilemmas; and fear of becoming a ‘women’
hospital only indicated a concern that abused men would be neglected.
Conclusions: Screening for IPV is feasible. Overall, the health care workers perceived the tool to be
advantageous. Training on gender-based violence and adjustment of the tool to suit local structures are
important. Further studies are needed to explore the implications of including abuse against men and children
in future screening.
