Osteopathic student training on preventing domestic violence

Authors

  • Carrie Downing-Larick, DO University of Illinois College of Medicine – Peoria Campus, Peoria, IL; UnityPoint Methodist – Family Medicine, Peoria, IL
  • Madeline Moore, DO Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Carolinas Campus, Spartanburg, SC
  • Mackenzie Dreher, DO, MPH Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Carolinas Campus, Spartanburg, SC
  • Alexis M. Stoner, PhD, MPH Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Carolinas Campus – Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Spartanburg, SC
  • Natalie Fadel, PsyD Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Carolinas Campus – Psychiatry and Neuro-Behavioral Sciences Center for Institutional Faculty and Student Success, Spartanburg, SC
  • Ning Cheng, PsyD Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Auburn Campus, Auburn, AL

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33181/13071

Abstract

Introduction: Domestic violence is a serious and preventable public health issue. Student Training on Preventing Domestic Violence (STOP-DV) is an extracurricular program that educates medical students on domestic violence. This study sought to determine if STOP-DV is an effective method to increase the knowledge of domestic violence among medical students.

Methods: This study utilized a quasi-experimental research approach. Participants were recruited through a convenience sample of first- and second-year medical students from an osteopathic medical school with three campuses. The intervention group included the campus where STOP-DV was implemented and was then compared to the control group (the other two campuses) without the program. Intervention and control groups were given the same pre-survey and post-survey to assess for baseline knowledge, awareness, self-efficacy and health-seeking behaviors. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analysis of matched pre-surveys and post-surveys was completed during the 2018 and 2019 school year.

Results: Medical students in the intervention group (n=100) showed a statistically significant increase in self-efficacy and in the ability to recognize domestic violence in patients (p<0.001) and to discuss domestic violence with patients (p=0.004) compared to the control group (n=47). Based upon general linear regression analysis, survey stage significantly contributed to participants self-efficacy and domestic violence knowledge in both cohorts. Additionally, intervention group significantly contributed to participants’ medical domestic violence knowledge.

Conclusions: This study was successful in implementing a domestic violence program and increasing awareness in medical students. The ultimate goal is to encourage schools to utilize a similar program to understand how domestic violence affects patients and their communities.

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Published

2022-05-01

How to Cite

Downing-Larick, Carrie, et al. “Osteopathic Student Training on Preventing Domestic Violence”. Osteopathic Family Physician, vol. 14, no. 3, May 2022, pp. 10–21, doi:10.33181/13071.

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Section

Original Research