S. Rabin et al., Primary care physicians' attitudes to battered women and feelings of self-competence regarding their care, ISR MED ASS, 2(10), 2000, pp. 753-757
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.