NRU :: Browsing by Author "Lawoko, Stephen"

Browsing by Author "Lawoko, Stephen"

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Are Individual and Community Acceptance and Witnessing of Intimate Partner Violence Related to Its Occurrence? Multilevel Structural Equation Model
(PLoS ONE, 2011) Olalekan, A. Uthman; Moradi, Tahereh; Lawoko, Stephen
Intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) is a serious and widespread problem worldwide. Much of the research on IPVAW focused on individual-level factors and attention has been paid to the contextual factors. The aim of this study was to develop and test a model of individual- and community-level factors associated with IPVAW. Methods and Findings: We conducted a (multivariate) multilevel structural equation analysis on 8731 couples nested within 883 communities in Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey 2008. Variables included in the model were derived from respondents’ answers to the experience of IPVAW, attitudes towards wife beating and witnessing physical violence in childhood. We found that women that witnessed physical violence were more likely to have tolerant attitudes towards IPVAW and women with tolerant attitudes were more likely to have reported spousal IPVAW abuse. Women with husbands with tolerant attitudes towards IPVAW were more likely to have reported spousal abuse. We found that an increasing proportion of women in the community with tolerant attitudes was significantly positively associated with spousal sexual and emotional abuse, but not significantly associated with spousal physical abuse. In addition, we found that an increasing proportion of men in the community with tolerant attitudes and an increasing proportion of women who had witnessed physical violence in the community was significantly positively associated with spousal physical abuse, but not significantly associated with spousal sexual and emotional abuse. There was a positive correlation between all three types of IPVAW at individual- and community-level. Conclusions: We found that community tolerant attitudes context in which people live is associated with exposure to IPVAW even after taking into account individual tolerant attitudes. Public health interventions designed to reduce IPVAW must address people and the communities in which they live in order to be successful.
Assessing the Structural and Concurrent Validity of a Shortened Version of the Domestic Violence Healthcare Providers’ Survey Questionnaire for Use in Sweden
(Psychology, 2012) Lawoko, Stephen; Sanz, Sören; Helström, Lotti; Castren, Maaret
It has recently become incumbent on researchers to develop tools for the assessment of healthcare practitioners’ readiness to screen for Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). One such comprehensive tool is the Healthcare Provider Survey Scales (DVHPSS). Its usefulness in new settings however warrants a validity test. Aim: We assessed some aspects of the structural validity of a shortened version of the DVHPSS. Method: Health care workers at a health facility in Sweden (n = 193) responded to a shortened version of the DVHPSS. Exploratory factor analysis, Cronbach’s Alpha, correlation, T-test, and ANOVA were used to analyse the data. Criteria for inclusion were set a priori. Results: All items of the shortened DVHPSS were retained following analysis. A six factor model emerged, with slight modifications of the original scales. Concurrent validity of the emerging scales was confirmed. Conclusions: The DVHPSS is a valid tool to assess readiness to screen for IPV in Swedish healthcare
Assessment of the structural validity of the domestic violence healthcare providers’ survey questionnaire using a Nigerian sample
(Journal of Injury and Violence Research, 2010) John, Ime A.; Lawoko, Stephen
There has been increased advocacy to involve healthcare providers in the prevention of intimate partner violence (IPV) through screening for it in healthcare. Yet, only one in ten providers screen for IPV, suggesting barriers. Understanding the readiness of healthcare providers to screen for IPV is therefore paramount. The Domestic Violence Healthcare Provider Survey Scales (DVHPSS) is a previously validated, comprehensive scale to study readiness of healthcare providers to screen for IPV. However, an understanding of its usefulness in the Sub-Saharan African context remains elusive. The current study undertook to examine the structural validity of the DVHPSS in Nigeria. Methods: Exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach’s Alpha were run to reveal the factorial structure and reliability of the instrument/subscales respectively. Established thresholds were used to determine significant factor loadings and alphas coefficient. Results: A six factor model emerged, with 2 factors similar to the original scale, another two differing slightly and a further two factors resulting from a splitting up of the original combination of victim/provider safety to having distinct victim and provider safety subscales. Conclusions: With slight modifications, the DVHPSS can be use to study IPV screening among Nigerian healthcare professionals. Introducing screening protocols could promote better understanding of crucial questions that were lost in the analysis.
Attitudes Toward Physical Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in Nigeria
(Sage Open, 2016) Okenwa-Emegwa, Leah; Lawoko, Stephen; Jansson, Bjarne
Attitudes toward intimate partner violence (IPV) are known predictors of IPV victimization and perpetration with more women generally believed to justify IPV than men. An understanding of the determinants of justification of IPV may provide information necessary for holistic interventions. This study sought to examine the magnitude, extent, and predictors of justification of physical IPV against women among men and women in Nigeria. Data from 33,385 women and 15,486 men from the 2008 Nigerian demographic and health surveys were analyzed using chi-square test and multiple logistic regressions. Results show that although larger proportions of women justified physical IPV, certain categories of men such as poor, illiterate men, and men with secondary education justified abuse more than women. Contrary to expectations, access to radio/TV increased the odds of justifying abuse among women thus casting doubts on program content. The gender differences observed for predictors of attitudes to physical IPV suggest a need for gender-tailored interventions to change attitudes toward partner violence in Nigeria.
Background factors as determinants of satisfaction with care among first-episode psychosis patients
(Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 2005) Mattsson, Maria; Lawoko, Stephen; Cullberg, J.; Olsson, Ulf; Hansson, Lars; Forsell, Yvonne
To evaluate the impact of demographic and psychosocial background factors and psychiatric and functional status before and at admission on the patients’ satisfaction with care (PSC) among first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients. Method One year after entering the Parachute Project, 134 FEP patients completed a patient satisfaction questionnaire. The association with demographic and psychosocial background factors, together with psychiatric and functional status before and after admission, was analysed. Results Twenty-nine per cent of the variance of PSC was explained by factors such as educational level, social network, duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) the year prior to onset. Negative symptoms and lack of hope at admission were also predictors of PSC. The strongest predictor was DUP. Conclusion Affecting the public knowledge in psychiatric problems and psychiatric treatment, together with early intervention strategies aiming to decrease the prodromal and DUP period among FEP patients, can positively influence the patients’ experience of given care. By increasing the knowledge of available psychiatric treatment, the sense of powerlessness might decrease among the affected persons, and the possibility of early help seeking might increase.
Childhood and adolescent injuries in elementary schools in north-western Uganda: extent, risk and associated factors
(International journal of injury control and safety promotion, 2012) Lawokob, Stephen Emilio Ovugac and Leif Svanstromb; Mutto, Milton; Lawoko, Stephen; Ovuga, Emilio; Svanstrom, Leif
Childhood injuries remain understudied in Uganda. The objective of this study was to determine the extent, nature and determinants of school-related childhood injury risk in north-western Uganda. A cohort of 1000 grade fives from 13 elementary schools was followed-up for one term. Survival and multi-level modelling techniques compared the risk rates across gender, schools and locations. Childhood injuries are common in north-western Uganda. Most of them occur during travel, breaks, practical classes and gardening, while walking, playing, learning and digging. Most injuries result from collisions with objects, sports and falls. Two-thirds of children receive first aid and hospital care. Times to injury were 72.1 and 192.9 person days (p¼0.0000). Gender differences in time to event were significant (p¼0.0091). Girls had better survival rates: cumulative prevalence of childhood injury was 36.1%; with significant gender differences (p¼0.007). Injury rate was 12.3/1000 person days, with a hazard ratio of 1.4. Compared to girls, boys had a 37% higher injury rate (p¼0.004). Rates varied among schools. Associated factors include sex and school. Rural–urban location and school differences do influence childhood injury risk. Childhood injuries are common: the risk is high, gender- and school-specific. Determinants include gender and school. Location and school contexts influence injury risk.
Childhood Vitamin A Capsule Supplementation Coverage in Nigeria: A Multilevel Analysis of Geographic and Socioeconomic Inequities
(The Scientific World JOURNAL, 2010) Aremu, Olatunde; Lawoko, Stephen; Dalal, Koustuv
Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a huge public health burden among preschool-aged children in sub-Saharan Africa, and is associated with a high level of susceptibility to infectious diseases and pediatric blindness. We examined the Nigerian national vitamin A capsule (VAC) supplementation program, a short-term cost-effective intervention for prevention of VAD-associated morbidity for equity in terms of socioeconomic and geographic coverage. Using the most current, nationally representative data from the 2008 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey, we applied multilevel regression analysis on 19,555 children nested within 888 communities across the six regions of Nigeria. The results indicate that there was variability in uptake of VAC supplement among the children, which could be attributed to several characteristics at individual, household, and community levels. Individual-level characteristics, such as maternal occupation, were shown to be associated with receipt of VAC supplement. The results also reveal that household wealth status is the only household-level characteristic that is significantly associated with receipt of VAC, while neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage and geographic location were the community-level characteristics that determined receipt of VAC. The findings from this study have shown that both individual and contextual socioeconomic status, together with geographic location, is important for uptake of VAC. These findings underscore the need to accord the VAC supplementation program the much needed priority with focus on characteristics of neighborhoods (communities), in addition to individual-level characteristics.
Children who have received no routine polio vaccines in Nigeria: Who are they and where do they live?
(Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics, 2017) Uthman, Olalekan A.; Adedokun, Sulaimon T.; Olukade, Tawa; Watson, Samuel; Adetokunboh, Olatunji; Adeniran, Adeyinka; Oyetoyan, Solomon A.; Gidado, Saheed; Lawoko, Stephen; Wiysonge, Charles S.
2016; putting an end to 2 y without reported cases. We examined the extent of geographical disparities in childhren not vaccinated against polio and examined individual- and community-level predictors of nonvaccination in Nigeria. We applied multilevel logistic regression models to the recent Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. The percentage of children not routinely vaccinated against polio in Nigeria varied greatly and clustered geographically, mainly in north-eastern states, with a great risk of spread of transmission within these states and potential exportation to neighboring states and countries. Only about one-third had received all recommended 4 routine oral polio vaccine doses. Non-vaccinated children tended to have a mother who had no formal education and who was currently not working, live in poorer households and were from neighborhoods with higher maternal illiteracy rates.
Contraception, reproductive health and pregnancy outcomes among women exposed to intimate partner violence in Nigeria
(The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care, 2011) Okenwa, Leah; Lawoko, Stephen; Jansson, Bjarne
To examine the association between reproductive health practices/outcomes and exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) among women in Nigeria. More specifically, the association between IPV and use of contraception; miscarriages, induced abortions, stillbirths, and infant mortality; and having many children, was assessed. Methods Data on studied variables were retrieved from the Demographic and Health Surveys of Nigeria 2008, a nationally representative sample of 33,385 women of reproductive age. IPV was defined as exposure to physical, sexual or emotional abuse. The association between contraception use, pregnancy outcomes and infant mortality, and exposure to IPV was assessed using the chi-square test for unadjusted analyses. To control for potential confounding, socio-demographic variables were adjusted for using multiple logistic regression. Results Compared with women not exposed to IPV, those who were, exhibited a higher likelihood of using modern forms of contraception; having a history of miscarriages, induced abortions, stillbirths, or infant mortality; and having many children. The aforementioned observations still stood after adjustment for potential confounders (e.g., demographic and socioeconomic factors). Conclusion Though causal inference cannot be drawn due to the cross-sectional design, the study has important implications for incorporation of IPV detection and management in initiatives aimed at improving women’s reproductive health.
COVID-19 Risk Behaviors in Humanitarian Settings: A Crosssectional Study among Conflict Refugees in Uganda
(International Journal of Community Medicine and Public Health, 2021) Lawoko, Stephen; Seruwagi, Gloria; Muhangi, Denis; Ochen, Eric A.; Okot, Betty; Lugada, Eric; Masaba, Andrew; Ddamulira, Dunstan P.; Luswata, Brian; Nakidde, Catherine L.; Kaducu, Felix
Worldwide, behavioral change interventions are at the core of prevention efforts to contain the novelCorona Virus (COVID-19). While the evidence base to inform such interventions in the general population is growing, equivocal research in humanitarian populations is lacking. The current study describes the nature, extent and predictors of COVID-19 risk behaviors among conflict refugees in Uganda in a bid to inform prevention strategies for humanitarian settings. Cross-sectional survey data on COVID-19 risk-behaviors, demographic, socio-economic, behavioral and clinical variables was gathered from 1014 adult refugees drawn from 3 refugee settlements in Uganda, using two-staged cluster sampling. Data was analyzed using t-test, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Multivariable Linear Regression.Many refugees (25-70%) were involved in hygiene, congestion and nutritional/physical activity related risk behaviors likely to contribute to community transmission of COVID-19. Refugees living in rural settlements, of male sex, young age and low socio-economic status were at heightened risk of exposure to COVID-19 risk behaviors.Physical activity and healthy nutritional practices reduced the likelihood of COVID-19 risk behavior. Indulgence in COVID-19 risk behaviors increased the risk of developing COVID-19 symptoms.COVID-19 risk behaviors among conflict refugees in Uganda are multifaceted in nature, widespread in extent and associated with symptom development, signaling for high risk for COVID-19 transmission in humanitarian settings. The data on predictors of COVID-19 risk behaviors have unmasked underlying inequalities, holding promise for development of evidence-based interventions to meet the needs of most vulnerable clusters in the refugee community.
Differences in Adverse Events Related to Voluntary Male Medical Circumcision Between Civilian and Military Health Facilities in Uganda
(Research Square, 2021) Ogweng Obangaber, Lucky; Seruwagi, Gloria; Nabaggala, Maria Sarah; Lugada, Eric; Bwayo, Denis; Nyanzi, Abdul; Rwegyema, Twaha; Wamundu, Cassette; Lawoko, Stephen; Kasujja, Vincent; Asiimwe, Evarlyne; Musinguzi, Ambrose; Kikaire, Bernard; Kiragga, Agnes
Voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) significantly reduces the risk of acquiring HIV in men. Despite the percentage of circumcised men (15-49 years) in Uganda increasing over time, some populations are not taking up the surgical procedure. The government of Uganda and implementing partners have responded to this lack of VMMC coverage among key populations by intensifying introducing innovative strategies that increase demand particularly among military personnel using the WHO’s MOVE strategy. As a surgical intervention, it is critical that VMMC services are safe for clients and that adverse events or complications are minimized. This paper describes the prevalence and trends of adverse events reported among military mobile camps in comparison to civilian sites in Uganda. Methods: A prospective study conducted in eighteen (18) public health facilities between March and August 2019. Of these nine (9) were providing care to civilian populations while nine (9) served the military population and catchment areas. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and trends analysis were carried out to describe profile of advance events among civilian and military facilities over the study period. Results: The highest proportions of VMMC were done among persons aged 15 to 19 years whereas among military camps the highest proportions of circumcision among males aged 20 to 24 years. Regarding site of circumcision, the highest proportions of VMMC were done at outreaches, with higher levels in military camps compared to civilian camps. For the proportions of adverse events reported, higher proportions were reported in civilian camps compared to military camps (Total – 1.3% vs 0.2%; p- value<0.05). For trends analysis, results indicate that there was no statistically significant trend for both civilian and military number of adverse events reported for the four quarters in 2020 (P-value =0.315 for civilian and P=0.094 for the military). Conclusions: The MOVE model is great for scaling up VMMC 48 in specialized populations such as military. Can also be adapted in other populations if contextual bottlenecks are identified and collectively addressed by key stakeholders – leadership, community engagement and using a largely horizontal approach offer promising possibilities and outcomes.
Distress and hopelessness among parents of children with congenital heart disease, parents of children with other diseases, and parents of healthy children
(Journal of psychosomatic research, 2002) Lawoko, Stephen; Soares, Joaquim J.F.
We examined differences in distress (i.e., depression, anxiety, and somatisation) and hopelessness (e.g., suicide ideation) among parents of congenital heart disease (CHD) children (PCCHD, n = 1092), parents of children with other diseases (PCOD, n = 112), and parents of healthy children (PHC, n = 293). In addition, we determined the proportion of parents in each group whose scores in distress and hopelessness, respectively, exceeded norms for psychiatric outpatients (POPN) and depressed people, and identified determinants of distress and hopelessness among all parents, and the PCCHD. Method: The parents completed a questionnaire about such areas as distress and hopelessness. The design was cross-sectional and data were collected during 20 consecutive days. Results: PCCHD were generally at higher risk of distress and hopelessness. A significant number of parents, in particular PCCHD, reported levels of distress and hopelessness within/above POPN and depressed people, respectively. Mothers within all parent groups had higher levels of distress and hopelessness than fathers, with the highest levels among mothers of children with CHD compared to mothers in the other groups. Fathers of children with CHD were doing worse than fathers belonging to the other groups. There were no differences between PCOD and PHC. Variables such as employment status and financial situation explained more of the variation in distress and hopelessness among parents than the diseases of their children. Conclusion: We corroborated previous findings and provide new insights into the experiences of PCCHD that may be of importance when considering intervention. Further research concerning the parents, in particular PCCHD, at risk of developing psychosocial problems is needed
Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence Amongst Women of Reproductive Age in Lagos, Nigeria: Prevalence and Predictors
(Journal of Family Violence, 2009) Okenwa, Leah E.; Lawoko, Stephen; Jansson, Bjarne
Research on predictors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Sub-Saharan Africa is contradictory, necessitating further investigation. This study sought the prevalence and predictors of IPV among women in Lagos, Nigeria. Questionnaire data from 934 women visiting an obstetrics and gynecology clinic in Lagos were analyzed using multivariable methods. The 1 year prevalence of IPV was 29%, with significant proportions reporting psychological (23%), physical (9%) and sexual (8%) abuse. In-access to information, women’s autonomy and contribution to household expenses independently predicted IPV. The findings provide new incites for IPV prevention in Lagos with implications for further research.
Exposure to Workplace Violence and Quality of Life among Drivers and Conductors in Maputo City, Mozambique
(International journal of occupational and environmental health, 2009) Tereza Couto, Maria; Lawoko, Stephen; Svanström, Leif
This cross-sectional study examined exposure to workplace violence and its consequences on quality of life (QOL) among workers in the road passenger transport sector in Maputo city, Mozambique. A random sample of 504 drivers and conductors were interviewed using structured questionnaires. Many participants reported experiencing psychological or physical violence at work. Sequelae of violence included sick leave following abuse (20%), physical injuries (32%), financial loss (28%), and various emotional reactions (28–56%). Exposure to workplace violence was a significant predictor of QOL even after adjusting for confounding. Mechanisms to detect and deal with both immediate and long term consequences of work-related violence on QOL are recommended. Key words: Workplace violence; drivers;conductors; quality of life; Africa
Factors Associated With Attitudes Toward Intimate Partner Violence: A Study of Women in Zambia
(Violence and victims, 2006) Lawoko, Stephen
Demographic, social, and empowerment factors associated with attitudes toward intimate partner violence (IPV) were investigated in a random sample of women (n 5,029) aged 15–49 years in Zambia. Data was retrieved from the Zambia Demographic and Health Survey 2001–2002 (2003). The findings indicated demographic, social, and structural differences in attitudes toward IPV. Married/previously married and less educated women, employees in the agricultural sector, and women with a history of IPV were more likely to tolerate IPV. In addition, structurally disempowered women (i.e., women lacking access to information and autonomy in household decisions) were more likely to justify IPV than more-empowered peers. Most variables remained significant even when possible confounding was adjusted for using a logistic regression. The findings are discussed and implications for prevention as well as methodological issues considered.
Factors associated with attitudes towards intimate partner violence against women: a comparative analysis of 17 sub-Saharan countries
(BMC international health and human rights, 2009) Uthman, Olalekan A.; Lawoko, Stephen; Moradi, Tahereh
Violence against women, especially by intimate partners, is a serious public health problem that is associated with physical, reproductive and mental health consequences. Even though most societies proscribe violence against women, the reality is that violations against women's rights are often sanctioned under the garb of cultural practices and norms, or through misinterpretation of religious tenets. Methods: We utilised data from 17 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted between 2003 and 2007 in sub-Saharan Africa to assess the net effects of socio-demographic factors on men's and women's attitudes toward intimate partner violence against women (IPVAW) using multiple logistic regression models estimated by likelihood ratio test. Results: IPVAW was widely accepted under certain circumstances by men and women in all the countries studied. Women were more likely to justify IPVAW than men. "Neglecting the children" was the most common reason agreed to by both women and men for justifying IPVAW followed by "going out without informing husband" and "arguing back with the husband". Increasing wealth status, education attainment, urbanization, access to media, and joint decision making were associated with decreased odds of justifying IPVAW in most countries. Conclusion: In most Sub-Saharan African countries studied where IPVAW is widely accepted as a response to women's transgressing gender norms, men find less justification for the practice than do women. The present study suggests that proactive efforts are needed to change these norms, such as promotion of higher education and socio-demographic development. The magnitude and direction of factors associated with attitudes towards IPVAW varies widely across the countries, thus suggesting the significance of capitalizing on need-adapted interventions tailored to fit conditions in each country.
Factors Associated with Disclosure of Intimate Partner Violence among Women in Lagos, Nigeria
(Injury and Violence, 2009) Okenwa, Leah; Lawoko, Stephen; Jansson, Bjarne
Though the prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) remains high in less developed countries, data suggest that these figures may represent an underestimation considering that many women are unwilling to disclose abuse. This paper aims to determine women’s willingness to report abuse, factors determining willingness to disclose IPV, and to whom such disclosure is made. Methods: A total of 911 women visiting reproductive health facility responded to the questionnaire, and the collected data was analyzed using multivariate analysis. Results: About 54% (n=443) of the participating women reported that would not disclose IPV. Among those willing to disclose abuse, 68% (n=221) would opt to disclose to close relatives in contrast to 37% (n=103) who would disclose to some form of institutions (i.e. religious leaders, law enforcement officers). Ethnicity, woman’s own use of alcohol and autonomy in decision making such as having a say on household purchases, money use and visitation, independently predicted willingness to disclose IPV.
Factors influencing satisfaction and well-being among parents of congenital heart disease children: development of a conceptual model based on the literature review
(Scandinavian Journal of Caring Sciences, 2007) Lawoko, Stephen
The treatment and management of congenital heart disease (CHD) has improved dramatically over the past 25 years, necessitating re-evaluation of satisfaction with care and well-being among CHD children and their parents (PCCHD). The present study reviews the published literature over the past 25 years on parental satisfaction with the paediatric care of CHD and well-being among the parents, with the specific aim of: (a) assessing the extent of psychosocial problems and grade of satisfaction with care and (b) modelling factors associated with satisfaction and well-being among the parents. Results: There is general agreement in the literature that PCCHD experience psychosocial morbidity to a higher degree than parents of children with other paediatric conditions and parents of healthy children. The research on satisfaction with care among PCCHD is not conclusive, though there is considerable agreement that a substantial proportion of PCCHD may not be receiving adequate information regarding the ill-child’s condition, treatment and medical prognosis. Finally, based on the review of factors affecting satisfaction and well-being, a model is generated indicating that interactions between parental perception of CHD, psychosocial resources and social vulnerability may account for differences in well-being among PCCHD, which in turn may explain differences in satisfaction with care among them. Conclusion: A holistic approach to the care of CHD that acknowledges the role of parents’ perception of CHD, need for psychosocial resources and social vulnerability in the adaptation process is recommended to improve parental satisfaction with the care of CHD.
Health Care Providers’ Readiness to Screen for Intimate Partner Violence in Northern Nigeria
(Violence and Victims, 2010) John, I. A.; Lawoko, Stephen; Svanström, L.; Mohammed, A. Z.
Research on screening for intimate partner violence (IPV) within health care in a sub- Saharan African context is rare. This paper assessed factors associated with the readiness to screen for IPV among care providers (HCP, n = 274) at Kano hospital, Nigeria. Readiness was measured using the Domestic Violence Health Care Providers’ survey instrument, which measures grade of perceived self-effi cacy in screening for IPV, fear for victim/provider safety, access to system support to refer IPV victims, professional roles resistant/ fear of offending clients, and blaming the victim for being abused victim. Social workers perceived a higher self-effi cacy and better access to system support networks to refer victims than peers in other occupation categories. Female care providers and doctors were less likely to blame the victim than males and social workers, respectively. Younger care providers of Yoruba ethnicity and social workers were less likely to perceive confl icting professional roles related to screening than older providers of Hausa ethnicity and doctors, respectively. Implications of our fi ndings for interventions and further research are discussed.
Healthcare providers’ perceptions on screening for Intimate Partner Violence in healthcare: A qualitative study of four health centres in Uganda
(Open Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2013) Lawoko, Stephen; Seruwagi, Gloria K.; Marunga, Iryne; Mutto, Milton; Ochola, Emmanuel; Oloya, Geoffrey; Piloya, Joyce; Lubega, Muhamadi
The current qualitative study explored the per-ceptions of healthcare providers on screening for Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in healthcare in Uganda, to develop a conceptual framework for factors likely to hinder/promote IPV screen-ing in the country. Using purposive sampling, the study enlisted 54 healthcare workers (doc-tors and nurses) from four hospitals (i.e. Gulu referral hospital, Iganga referral hospital, Lacor hospital, Anaka hospital) to participate in eight focus group discussions. Data was thematically analysed using Template Analysis. The study found support for an ecological framework suggesting a complex interaction of factors at the individual (e.g. poor skills in detection of IPV by health workers and unwillingness to disclose abuse by patients), organisational (e.g. under-staffing and lack of protocols for IPV screening) and societal (e.g. societal acceptance of abuse of women and poor policy on IPV management) levels as potential barriers to the practice of IPV screening in healthcare Uganda. These findings have important implications on further training of healthcare workers to adequately screen for IPV, re-organisation of the healthcare system so that it is fully-fledged to accommodate IPV scree- ning and improved collaboration between the health sector and other community advocates in IPV management. These initiatives should run concurrently with a concerted community sen-sitization effort aimed at modifying attitudes towards IPV among care providers and recipi-ents a like, as well as preparing the general population to will-fully disclose IPV to health- workers. Study limitations and implications for further research are discussed.

Browsing by Author "Lawoko, Stephen"

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