Screening persons newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS for risk of intimate partner violence: early progress in changing practice.
Interventions to prevent intimate partner violence (IPV), including among those at risk for or living with HIV/AIDS, are needed. In 2001, screening persons who test positive for HIV for risk of IPV was required in New York State, launching the first large-scale program to screen for IPV risk in conjunction with HIV counseling and testing (HCT). Written surveys of counselors, physicians, and agency supervisors explored attitudes, practices, knowledge, and training needs surrounding screening for risk of IPV during HCT. Most HCT providers were aware of screening requirements, but practice varied. Counselors were more likely to screen than were physicians and asked more screening questions. Despite guidelines, screening was generally not standardized and sporadic. IPV screening in conjunction with HCT is possible. Building capacity and commitment of local HCT providers through provision of training and by fostering partnerships with public health partner services staff can help overcome identified barriers to preventing IPV in a high-risk population.
Klein
Susan J
SJ
AIDS Institute, New York State Department of Health, Corning Tower, Room 412, Albany, NY 12237, USA. sjk06@health.state.ny.us
Tesoriero
James M
JM
Leung
Shu-Yin John
SY
Heavner
Karyn K
KK
Birkhead
Guthrie S
GS
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003376:Counseling; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008875:Middle Aged; D009518:New York; D010820:Physicians; D012307:Risk Factors