title: Factors associated with the anonymous reporting of lifetime domestic violence in a genitourinary medicine clinic: a patient self-reported questionnaire study.
abstract: Domestic violence (DV) occurs frequently within the UK, with one in four women and one in six men experiencing DV during their life. DV is the leading cause of morbidity for women aged 19-44 years and is associated with sexual health problems. However, few data exist on the prevalence of DV in UK genitourinary (GU) medicine settings. An anonymous questionnaire was self-completed by patients (n = 476/500) attending Bournemouth GU medicine clinic during July 2009 to explore associations between lifetime DV and sociodemographic, sexual and behavioural factors. Overall, 21% (98/472) reported that they had ever been abused by a partner (12% [27/229] of men and 29% [71/243] of women). Logistic regression highlighted that being female, having children/dependants and use of illicit drugs were the most important factors associated with lifetime DV. Regular staff training on DV is recommended to increase awareness and signposting to relevant services.
authors: Department of Sexual Health, Solent NHS Trust, Hampshire, The Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth, UK. leela.sanmani@gmail.com
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Sanmani
authors: Z A
authors: ZA
authors: Sheppard
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Chapman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: United Kingdom; domestic violence; genitourinary medicine clinics; intimate partner violence; risk factors; sexual health; sociodemographic factors