DOI:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/136910501110614
Web resource:	http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-36349008184&partnerID=40&md5=525bcf826cd1fb8a929112f4e32fb6e9
Type:	Journal Article
Title:	Can screening for domestic violence be introduced successfully in a sexual health clinic?
Other Titles:	Sexual Health
Authors:	McNulty, Anna Bonner, Michelle Andrews, Paul
Keywords:	Screening;Health
Year:	2006
Publisher:	CSIRO Publishing
Citation:	3 (3), 2006 Sep
Notes:	Background: Domestic violence is reported frequently when Australian women are surveyed and is associated with poorer health outcomes on a variety of measures. Routine screening for domestic violence is a strategy designed to both prevent domestic violence and provide an opportunity for early intervention. Methods: Following staff consultation and training, a 1-month pilot of routine screening for domestic violence (RSDV) of all female patients was conducted in a large sexual health clinic. Results: Following the evaluation of this pilot, RSDV was introduced in 2003 for all new female patients. Of the 3244 women eligible for screening, 2893 (89%) were screened. Of these, 254 (8.8%) identified domestic violence. Conclusions: Routine screening for domestic violence is feasible in a sexual health clinic population. High screening rates were achieved and high rates of domestic violence were identified, providing an opportunity for intervention. [? CSIRO 2006. All rights reserved. For further information, visit CSIRO Publications link.] [Appended From Merge Migration] Background: Sexually transmissible infection (STI) rates are persistently high in central Australia, creating conditions for a potential HIV pandemic in the area. There is a shortage of qualitative research examining the underlying factors affecting STI transmission in this region. The present study investigates Aboriginal women's current levels of knowledge regarding STI and their transmission, perception of risk for STI, patterns of condom use, access to condoms and experiences of condom negotiation with their partners. It also explores the sociocultural context of their sexual health. Methods: The present study used qualitative methods with a semistructured questionnaire. Twenty-four women aged 18-35 years from one remote central-Australian Aboriginal community were recruited. Results: The results revealed poor understandings of STI transmission, limited access to condoms and low levels of condom use despite a high perception of risk to STI. They also identified specific issues facing these women regarding the sociocultural context of their condom use, their access to condoms and the transmission of STI. The perceived effects of alcohol abuse, infidelity, sexual assault and shame on the acquisition of STI were significant issues for the women. Conclusion: This research has identified an urgent need for further qualitative research into the sociocultural factors that facilitate the spread of STI among Aboriginal people of remote central Australia. Implications include the need to increase their knowledge regarding STI and STI transmission, to increase women's access to condoms and to incorporate the teaching of skills to deal with sexual assault and violence into sexual-health education. © CSIRO 2007. Electronic Resource Number: 10.1080/136910501110614 Author's Address: Centre for International Health, Curtin University of Technology, Bentley, WA 6102, AustraliaGeneral Practitioner, Alice Springs, North. Territ. 6102, Australia Cited By (since 1996):6Export Date: 11 August 2013Source: Scopus:doi 10.1071/SH07009PubMed ID: 18082066Language of Original Document: EnglishCorrespondence Address: Stark, A.M.; Centre for International Health, Curtin University of Technology, Bentley, WA 6102, Australia; email: astridmstark@gmail.com
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/13699
ISSN:	1448-5028
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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