First Advisor

Katherine Bradley

Date of Award

6-16-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Public Health Studies: Pre-clinical Health Science and University Honors

Department

Health Studies

Language

English

Subjects

Victims of family violence -- Medical care, Pregnant women -- Abuse of -- Statistics, Telecommunication in medicine, Obstetricians -- Training of, Intimate partner violence, COVID-19 Pandemic (2020- ), Maternal and infant welfare

DOI

10.15760/honors.1143

Abstract

Introduction: Due to the risks of pregnancy outcomes in relation to IPV and the increased rates of IPV as a result of COVID-19 precautions, health care screening for IPV in the prenatal process is even more imperative for preventing negative healthcare outcomes for both the pregnant patient and children.

Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health issue that puts both baby and pregnant patients at risk for severe negative healthcare outcomes. Healthcare screening is a tool to find a condition or to learn more about a patient before symptoms become severe.

Methods: Screening for IPV and the effects of COVID-19 on rates of IPV were reviewed individually. A semi-structured interview was developed to learn more about how obstetricians approach screening of pregnant patients. Twenty-three physicians were emailed for informational interviews.

Results: Three (18.8%) physicians agreed to be interviewed. Three main themes were identified during the interviews. There was no formal training in regards to IPV training, the confidentiality necessary to screen a patient for IPV has been compromised since many appointments with pregnant patients have moved from in-person to virtual, and third, the lack of childcare in clinics is a limiting factor for the possibility for pregnant patients to attend regular appointments because of the Covid-19 social distancing restrictions and guidelines.

Conclusion: The biggest barriers found during this research were not the procedures themselves but the uncontrollable variables that have been further complicated by the pandemic. Future research needs to go into the screening practices and capabilities in the virtual arena now that telehealthcare will likely be available beyond the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Persistent Identifier

https://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/36098

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