Feasibility of Computer Based Screening, Referral and Intervention for Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in STD and HIV Clinics

Background:  Rates of IPV are high among HIV+ women and women at risk for HIV infection. Computer-assisted self administered interviews (ACASI) can increase self-disclosure of sensitive behaviors.

Objectives:  To determine the feasibility of: 1) IPV screening for HIV+  women and those at high risk for infection 2) providing on-site IPV counseling 3) conducting follow-up phone interviews.

Project Description:  40 women were recruited from the STD clinic and 40 from an HIV clinic at an urban, public hospital. The baseline ACASI interview assessed IPV in the previous 12 months and quality of life. A computer-assisted telephone interview (ACATI) conducted at 3 months assessed lifetime experience with IPV.

Findings:  76% were self-described as African-American, 13% Latina and 9% White, 8% of the interviews were conducted in Spanish. HIV uninfected women were younger (mean age 29 versus 45) and the phone follow-up rate was 93%. Of those at high risk 30% screened IPV+ at baseline, 3 out of those 12 accepted counseling and 22% reported lifetime IPV at 3 months. For HIV+ women 38% screened IPV+ at baseline, 3 out of those 15 accepted counseling and 17% reported lifetime IPV at 3 months. The most frequent reason for declining counseling was ending of the relationship. Quality of life mental health and physical health summary scores were lowest (mean 39, p = 0.48 and mean 39, p = 0.40 respectively) for HIV+ women who screened IPV+ at baseline.

Conclusions: Computer based screening is feasible and discloses high rates of IPV exposure. Counseling needs vary and low quality of life is of note in HIV+ women exposed to IPV

Implications for Programs, Policy, and Research:  Consider computer based IPV screening of HIV+ women and those at high risk of acquiring infection; evaluate the impact of counseling and other strategies on improving quality of life.