ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To determine prevalence of domestic violence among female patients presenting to the department. METHODS: An anonymous survey distributed to female patients presenting over a 30-day period. RESULTS: Response rate was 12.5% (190 of 1,516). Forty-four percent of respondents reported being a victim of domestic violence in the past Seventy-nine percent knew where to get help, and 64% would report it. Eight percent reported their visit to the department resulted from domestic violence. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of domestic violence from the sample was similar to previously reported rates. Physicians and nurses generally inquired when patients presented resulting from domestic violence, but screening rates need improvement.
Subject(s)
Domestic Violence/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Age Distribution , Aged , Arkansas , Domestic Violence/prevention & control , Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Time FactorsABSTRACT
A total of 194 mental health care providers in Arkansas, primarily from rural areas and small communities, participated in a four-hour training program designed to improve their knowledge about the psychosocial and neuropsychiatric aspects of HIV and AIDS. Participants' responses to questionnaires completed before and after training indicated that the program was successful in achieving its goal. However, only a minimal number of providers reported completing drug, alcohol, and sexual histories and AIDS risk assessments for any of their patients before the training occurred. The authors emphasize the importance of AIDS training for rural providers.
