Frequency and perception of gender violence in primary care

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a widely underestimated issue in middle-income countries. Despite the fact that there is documented evidence of its existence, it is unknown the frequency and perception of GBV in primary care. Understanding this is crucial for the development of intervention strategies that can mitigate the impact of GBV in these communities. To determine the frequency and perception of GBV in women attending a primary care clinic in the North of Mexico. A descriptive, observational, and cross-sectional survey study was conducted on female adults, beneficiaries from a family medical unit. Demographic data were collected, and the VIDOFyP questionnaire (Domestic Violence: Frequency and Perception Inventory) was used to assess the frequency and perception of GBV in different domains. Results were compared according to demographic variables, using the JASP software. A total of 385 women with an average age of 44.2 years were surveyed. Social violence was the most common, followed by psychological and economic violence. The perception of severity was highest for physical violence. Significant differences in the perception of violence were found based on marital status, with separated women reporting higher levels in various domains. GBV must be addressed in different domains, especially in separation contexts. The results provide valuable information for developing interventions and policies aimed at preventing and supporting women in vulnerable situations.