Experiences of casualty doctors regarding their role in the management of gender-based violence victims at the Intermediate hospital, Oshakati

The research focused on the experiences of casualty doctors regarding their role in the management of gender – based violence victims at the Int ermedia te Hospital Oshakati, Namibia. A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and co ntextual research design was utilized and d ata were collected by means of semi – structured interviews . These were audio – taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the Tesch’s method of qualitative data analysis by the researcher in conjunction with an independent coder . The research findings revealed that the study participants experienced g ender – based violence as a common and recurrent public health issue . Pa rticipant s indicated that the majority of the victims presented with a wide range of physical injuries as well as significant emotional trauma. Wi th further exploration, it emerged that participants identified alcohol abuse, low socio – economic status an d several r elationship problems as prevalent factors associated with gender – based violence. They also recognized that the current programme managing gender – based violence provides a measure of safety for victims by making emergency services available . In addition, these services could be accessed free of charge and victims identified as ‘high – risk’ were offered sanctuary in the ward to prevent further harm. Study participants further observed that the presence of a multi – disciplinary team of care – givers also contri bute positively to the management of gender – based violence victims. However, participants experienced several challenges that impair their role in the management of gender – based violence victims. Notable among these are high workload (arising from s h ortage of personnel and offering services to non – emergency cases in casualty ) , lack of collaboration among team members and a lack of proficiency in psychos ocial intervention strategies.

Publisher: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Year of Publication: 2011
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