Intimate partner violence screening in pregnant women attending antenatal care: facilitators and barriers among health care providers at Mbeya zonal referral hospital

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global health concern. In pregnancy, IPV has maternal and foetal dire consequences. Tanzania initiated IPV screening during pregnancy in 2018. However, the uptake and implementation of this initiative have been slow and inconsistent. Aim: The study aims to explore facilitators and barriers to IPV screening during pregnancy among the healthcare providers at Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital Methods: This exploratory qualitative study used in-depth interviews with eleven purposefully selected healthcare providers at a zonal referral hospital. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis with the aid of QDA Miner. Results: Healthcare providers reported lacking screening tools including guidelines, clear pathways for helping IPV victims, and low institutional and leadership support undermined them to screen women. Healthcare providers' knowledge, training, experience, and trusting provider-women relationships facilitate dialogue and screening of women. While, social cultural norms, fear of negative consequences, and perceiving IPV as a family secret deter women from reporting or avoiding IPV screening. Furthermore, healthcare services are structured in a way that prioritizes organic illness and pregnancy-related care and downplays other significant but nonvisible conditions like IPV. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the need to organize and improve coordination between the health sector, the local health facilities, and the community to empower healthcare providers to conduct thorough IPV screening. Community awareness campaigns to encourage women to shift attitudes toward IPV disclosure voluntarily are also necessary.