A scoping review of interventions to address intimate partner violence in sub-Saharan African healthcare

Glob Public Health. 2019 Sep;14(9):1335-1346. doi: 10.1080/17441692.2019.1567802. Epub 2019 Jan 16.

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread global health problem, with negative effects on women's health and HIV transmission and treatment. There is little evidence on how to address IPV effectively in lower-resourced healthcare settings, particularly those that are impacted by significant HIV epidemics. We conducted a scoping review to provide an overview of the literature on IPV screening and intervention programmes in sub-Saharan African healthcare. The included studies used mainly qualitative methods. We identified five main themes: the acceptability to female clients, the importance of confidentiality, provider concerns, barriers due to gender norms, and need for referrals and comprehensive services. Research in this field is limited, and a robust research agenda is needed to provide effective IPV interventions for women seeking healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: Intimate partner violence; sub-Saharan Africa; healthcare interventions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Video-Audio Media
  • Scoping Review

MeSH terms

  • Africa South of the Sahara
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intimate Partner Violence / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Women's Health*