Nurses Involvement in the Management of Family Violence Victims in Primary Care Settings in Ondo State, Nigeria: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Nurses in primary healthcare settings are strategic for appropriate responses to family violence victims in Nigeria. The study described nurses’ involvement in identifying and managing victims of family violence. Methods: The interpretive descriptive qualitative approach was adopted for the study. Participants were purposively selected and in-depth interviews were conducted among 12 nurses working at primary health care settings with a developed interview guide. The interviews were analyzed via qualitative content analysis. Results: Findings showed that nurses identified victims of physical violence via signs of physical injury. Nurses had difficulty identifying other forms of violence that may not have physical signs and not disclosed by victims. Nurses’ management strategies were wound care for physical injuries sustained, counselling and mediation. Risk assessment, safety planning measures were not instituted as well as effective management and specialized care services for victims. Conclusion: This study showed there were gaps in identifying family violence cases and their management by nurses. Hence, the implication for further education and training of nurses, and advocacy for policy guidelines for effective management of family violence victims.