Abstract

Domestic violence produces major health care problems for women. The prevalence and serious nature of this problem mandates recognition and intervention. Research has demonstrated that health care providers either overlook or fail to recognize or address potential domestic violence issues and situations during health care encounters. This descriptive study was designed to examine the screening practices of nurse practitioners for domestic violence certified and practicing in Louisiana. The theoretical framework for the research was based on the Health Promotion Model (Pender, 1987), which focuses on the integration of health-promoting behavior into lifestyles. The research question for this study was as follows: Do nurse practitioners screen for domestic violence against women in the primary care setting? The setting for this study was the state of Louisiana. A sample of 158 family, adult, acute care, women's health, and gérontologie nurse practitioners, and certified nurse midwives, registered with the Louisiana State Board of Nursing were surveyed using the Revised Education/Experience Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were generated to describe demographic characteristics of the nurse practitioners in addition to beliefs, perceptions, and screening practices for domestic violence. Responses to the questionnaire were analyzed using frequency distributions and percentages. Data analysis revealed that the majority of nurse practitioners do not routinely ask questions focused on domestic violence issues in the primary care setting. A major implication for nursing which emerged was that the need for inclusion o f extensive domestic violence content in the formal educational programs for nurses at all levels. Further research was recommended to determine why nurse practitioners do not screen for domestic violence in the primary care setting.

Degree

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

Department

Graduate Nursing

Degree Date

8-1-1998

Publication Number

27924562

First Advisor

Melinda E. Rush

Second Advisor

Lorraine Hamm

Third Advisor

Ann

Document Type

Thesis

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Nursing Commons

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