Factors associated with primary care professionals’ readiness to respond to intimate partner violence in Spain

Abstract

Objective: To analyse the Spanish primary care professionals’ readiness to respond to intimate partner violence (IPV) in primary care and identify possible determinants that could facilitate a better response. Method: A cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sampling by convenience was performed among healthcare professionals working in 15 primary care centres in Spain. The Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey (PREMIS), the version validated and translated into Spanish, was the instrument used to collect information about knowledge, opinions and practices regarding intimate partner violence. Descriptive analysis and, simple and multiple linear regression analysis were performed. Results: A total of 265 completed questionnaires were received, with a response rate of 80.3%. An exposure-response effect was observed, where at higher hours of training a higher score was obtained on the questionnaire sections (p <0.05). Age, type of profession, years of experience in primary care, hours of IPV training and reading the protocol showed positive association with knowledge (perceived preparation, perceived knowledge, actual knowledge), opinions (staff preparation, legal requirements, self-efficacy, workplace issues, constraints, understanding of the victim) and practice of healthcare professionals. Conclusions: Reading the regional/national protocol for action and receiving training in IPV were the most important interventions associated to a better primary care professionals’ readiness to respond to IPV in Spanish primary care settings.