Training of Health Professionals to Promote Active Fatherhood during the Pre and Post-Natal Care to Prevent Violence against Women

Abstract

Violence against women is a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination against women. Healthcare services play a key role in the care of women exposed to violence, and father involvement in delivery and childcare can reduce intimate partner violence and has positive effects during pre and post-natal care. Our study aims to assess attitudes, practices, and perceived competencies of social-healthcare professionals on fathers’ active engagement in care and on prevention and management of violence against women after specific training. A pre–post study was carried out at two points in time: T0 (pre-training) and T1 within 15 days from the end of the course, using a semi-structured questionnaire. Changes were analyzed using paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Statistical analysis was carried out using Stata version 16. At T0, there were 129 participants. The most represented professions were midwives (66%). The average score of opinions at T0 and T1 improved, and this difference was significant (T0: 4.44; SD ± 0.6; T1: 4.42 SD ± 0.3; p = 0.0126). The same applies to perceived competencies (T0: 2.79; SD ± 0.6; T1: 2.99; SD ± 0.5; p = 0.0198). Professionals’ training on active fatherhood and on prevention and management of violence against women for health professionals is an effective public health strategy for health promotion.