Chiropractors' Perceptions About Intimate Partner Violence: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Shearer, Heather M.; Forte, Mary L.; Dosanjh, Sonia; Mathews, David J.; Bhandari, Mohit

doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2006.04.010

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Volume 29, Issue 5 , Pages 386-392, June 2006

Chiropractors' Perceptions About Intimate Partner Violence: A Cross-Sectional Survey

Heather M. Shearer, DC
- Clinical Sciences Resident, Department of Graduate Education and Research, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Mary L. Forte, DC
- PhD Candidate, Health Services Research and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minn
Sonia Dosanjh, MSW
- Director of Women's Program Research, Domestic Abuse Project, Minneapolis, Minn
David J. Mathews, PsyD
- Director of Therapy, Domestic Abuse Project, Minneapolis, Minn
Mohit Bhandari, MD
- Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Submit requests for reprints to: Mohit Bhandari, MD, Hamilton Health Sciences-General Hospital, 237 Barton Street East, 7 North Wing, Suite 727, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8L 2X2.

Received 29 June 2005; received in revised form 16 August 2005

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study is to assess chiropractors' attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, and experience about intimate partner violence (IPV).

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was developed by members of the Violence Against Women Health Research Collaborative. The survey was disseminated to a voluntary, nonrandom convenience sample of chiropractors attending a 3-day continuing education seminar. Surveys were distributed at the entrances of the seminar session rooms and placed on luncheon tables. Respondents returned surveys to collection boxes.

Results

Ninety-three doctors of chiropractic completed the survey. Respondents estimated that only 5.2% (95% confidence interval, 3.3%-7.0%) of their female patients were victims of IPV. General knowledge of IPV was good among respondents. Knowledge of clinical indicators and victim's management was fair to poor. Only 22% of respondents identified the most commonly injured body regions among battered women. Lack of knowledge, personal discomfort, and time constraints were all cited as barriers to IPV screening.

Conclusions

Our survey indicates that doctors of chiropractic underestimate the prevalence of IPV among their female patients. Like other health care specialists, chiropractors cite multiple IPV screening barriers, especially lack of knowledge. Doctors of chiropractic would benefit from education and training in IPV to enable them to better identify and assist patients who are victims of IPV.