Abstract
A number of instruments to assess healthcare workers readiness to screen for Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in healthcare are now available to researchers. Before application in new settings however, pilot studies assessing their validity are warranted. : In this pilot study, we assessed the factorial structure and reliability of the Domestic Violence Healthcare Provider Survey Scale (DVHPSS) for future use in Uganda. Method: A convenient sample of healthcare workers at a referral hospital in Arua district, Uganda (n = 90) responded to the DVHPSS. Exploratory factor analysis using principle components and Cronbach’s alphas testing for internal reliability were applied on 86 complete individual responses to items of the DVHPSS. Bivariate correlations were run to assess scale distinctiveness. Results: All but one item of the DVHPSS exhibited significant factor loadings. Most subscales emerging from the factor analysis (i.e. Blame victim, professional role resistance and system support sub-scales) were congruent with the original scales. A split of the original victim/provider safety scale was however evident in the current data, forming two distinct scales i.e. victim and provider safety respectively. Items of the original perceived self-efficacy scale exhibited significant factor loadings but under separate factors, indicating that they may not be measuring a uni-dimensional concept in the Ugandan healthcare context. Conclusions: This data confirms the validity and reliability of the DVHSS for use in Uganda. It is how- ever recommended that items be scored in accordance to the specific sub-scales revealed in this study, to improve the structural validity of any assessment using the DVHPSS in Uganda.
Highlights
Intimate Partner Violence against Women (IPV), defined as any act in partner relations that results or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women (UN, 1993) has long been recognized as a public health concern globally
The study found the instrument applicable to the Ugandan context based on its factorial structure and scale reliability
The item “I have ready access to information detailing the management of IPV” did not load significantly under any of the emerging factors, raising questions as to whether respondents identified with the issue
Summary
Intimate Partner Violence against Women (IPV), defined as any act in partner relations that results or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women (e.g. threats of violence, coercion, deprivation of liberty) (UN, 1993) has long been recognized as a public health concern globally. Self-reports from women indicate that they are comfortable responding to IPV inquiries in healthcare settings (Stenson, Sidenvall, & Heimer, 2005). Congruent with this view, healthcare professionals themselves acknowledge that routine screening is likely to improve female clients satisfaction with care (John, Lawoko, & Oluwatosin, 2011). Aim: In this pilot study, we assessed the factorial structure and reliability of the Domestic Violence Healthcare Provider Survey Scale (DVHPSS) for future use in Uganda. It is recommended that items be scored in accordance to the specific sub-scales revealed in this study, to improve the structural validity of any assessment using the DVHPSS in Uganda
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