Health-care workers’ attitudes and perceptions of intimate partner violence against women in Tanzania

Abstract

A cross-sectional survey of 345 health-care workers and 312 students was conducted to explore attitudes and perceptions of intimate partner violence against women, and their views on care and prevention. All health-care workers and final-year students were included in the study. Students’ t-test was followed in the analysis using SPPSS computer program. Forty-three percent of female health-care workers recognised acts of controlling behaviour, while 68% of female students agreed to less than one statement justifying physical violence and 32% of men failed to recognise a woman's right to refuse sex. Ninety percent of both students and health-care workers had observed clients having unexplained feelings of sadness or loss of confidence. Between 45 and 70% of students and health-care workers believed that women exposed to violence were difficult to support. The study clearly indicates a need for adequate health-care resources, guidelines and training to influence a change of existing rigid gender norms.