title: CE: Original Research: Intimate Partner Violence: The Knowledge, Attitudes, Beliefs, and Behaviors of Rural Health Care Providers.
abstract: :
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Intimate partner violence (IPV) continues to be a pervasive health and social problem in the United States with serious short- and long-term consequences. Women in rural areas face particular challenges. Health care providers can play an important role in the lives of women who experience IPV; yet among providers, lack of knowledge, negative attitudes and beliefs, and low rates of screening are common.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Though a large body of research exists regarding health care providers' IPV-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors, little is known specifically with regard to rural providers. Given the challenges faced by rural women and the potential influence of their providers, it's important to understand rural providers' IPV-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. We conducted a study to learn more.
  
  
  METHODS
  Health care providers working in a large rural health network were asked to complete electronic surveys that examined their IPV-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Descriptive and correlational statistical analyses of the data were conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 93 health care providers returned completed surveys. In general the respondents demonstrated good overall knowledge, judicious attitudes, and beliefs congruent with the available evidence related to IPV. Of concern were their knowledge and practice gaps regarding the prevalence of IPV, the higher risk of injury faced by women who leave their abusers, the ability of women to make appropriate choices about their situations, and what actions to take when someone discloses abuse.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study were encouraging with regard to the IPV-related knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of rural health care providers. But the findings also indicated important knowledge and practice gaps. Preparing providers to deliver compassionate, effective care to women who experience IPV is essential for the health and well-being of women and their families.
authors.affiliation: Karen Roush is an assistant professor of nursing at Lehman College, Bronx, NY, as well as a former clinical managing editor at AJN. Ann Kurth is a professor at and dean of the Yale School of Nursing, New Haven, CT. At the time of this study, she was a professor at and executive director of New York University (NYU) College of Nursing Global, as well as associate dean for research at NYU's Global Institute of Public Health, both in New York City. Contact author: Karen Roush, roushkm@gmail.com. The authors and planners have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Roush
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kurth
mesh_terms: D017579:Domestic Violence; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009518:New York; D019035:Rural Health Services; D012747:Sexual Partners; D000078329:Workforce