Primary care physicians' attitudes to battered women and feelings of self-competence regarding their care

Background: Previous descriptive studies have demonstrated the problematic nature of physicians' attitudes toward battered women. However, little empi rical research has been done in the field, especially among the various med ical specialties. Objectives: To compare the approach and feelings of competence regarding th e care of battered women between primary care and non-primary care physicia ns. The non-primary care physicians who are likely to encounter battered wo men in the ambulatory setting are gynecologists and orthopedists. Methods: A self-report questionnaire formulated for this study was mailed t o a random sample of 400 physicians working in ambulatory clinics of the tw o main health maintenance organizations in Israel (300 primary care physici ans, 50 gynecologists and 50 orthopedists). Results: In both physician groups, treating battered women tended to evoke more negative emotional states than treating patients with infectious disea se. The most prevalent mood state related to the management of battered wom en was anger at her situation. Primary care physicians experienced more sta tes of tension and confusion than non-primary care physicians and had lower perceived self-efficacy and self-competence in dealing with battered women . Conclusions: Though both physician groups exhibited negative feelings when confronting battered women, the stronger emotion of the primary care physic ians may indicate greater sensitivity and personal awareness. We believe th at more in-service training should be introduced to help physicians at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels to cope both emotionally and professi onally with these patients.