CHANGING THE HEALTH-CARE RESPONSE TO BATTERED WOMEN - A HEALTH-EDUCATION APPROACH

Numerous factors are thought to prevent the successful implementation of domestic violence intervention protocols and programs that are desi gned to encourage physicians and nurses to identify and appropriately treat battered women. Using the PRECEDE-PROCEED model of behavior chan ge as a guide, this study investigated baseline factors associated wit h clinician screening behaviors prior to its implementation. Perceived competence, a composite measure of self-efficacy around specific clin ically relevant behaviors, emerged as the primary predictor of all beh aviors. In addition, belief that clinicians should screen all women as part of a routine history or physical examination emerged as a predic tor for routine screening.