Linking Cancer and Intimate Partner Violence

Experiences of intimate partner violence among female cancer patients: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research

OBJECTIVES

This research systematically synthesized qualitative studies on intimate partner violence experiences among female cancer patients, aiming to inform the development of relevant psychosocial interventions.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and Sinomed databases were searched for qualitative studies on intimate partner violence among female cancer patients. The search time frame was from the establishment of the database to April 8 2024. The quality of included studies was assessed using the list of qualitative studies in the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Reviewer Manual. Meta-synthesis was integrated according to the meta-aggregation method proposed by the JBI and reported in accordance with the guidelines for Enhancing Transparency in Reporting Qualitative Research Synthesis (ENTREQ).

RESULTS

This study incorporated literature from seven sources, extracting 24 primary findings into 10 categories. These categories were further synthesized into four overarching results: cancer patients experienced multiple forms of violence; the multiple impacts of violence on cancer patients; patients' different ways of coping with violence; and multiple needs of cancer patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Intimate partner violence has emerged as a major, preventable global health issue, particularly affecting female cancer patients and significantly impacting their physical and mental health. Healthcare professionals must vigilantly monitor and address the psychological aspects of these patients, offering psychological counseling and treatment promptly as required.

What does intimate partner violence mean for women with breast cancer? Experiences of Iranian women

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to identify the women's experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) after breast cancer.

METHOD

This is a qualitative descriptive study. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 11 women with breast cancer, all participants referred to the outpatient Oncology Clinic in IRAN. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis approach.

RESULTS

The results revealed the essential category of "pervasive violence" which was manifested through six subcategories: 1) psychological violence, 2) physical violence, 3) sexual violence, 4) economic violence, 5) controlling behaviors, and 6) neglect.

CONCLUSION

Women with breast cancer are more vulnerable to IPV and experience a wide range of IPV forms. Healthcare providers should monitor women with breast cancer in terms of IPV to prevent the consequences of IPV on the cancer treatment process.

Intimate partner violence among women of reproductive age during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is the violence committed by both current and former spouses and partners, and the rate of this violence is known to increase during different pandemics. The pooled prevalence of IPV among pregnant women before the COVID-19 pandemic was 37%, however, the pooled prevalence of IPV among women during COVID-19 is not yet known. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the pooled prevalence of IPV and its determinants among women of reproductive age during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

The review was done as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline using different search databases such as: PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, Virtual Health Library Regional Portal, HINARI (research4life), and Google Scholar.

Eligibility criteria

Those quantitative studies conducted in Ethiopia during the COVID-19 pandemic, that reported the prevalence of IPV among women of reproductive age, and were published in English from 13 March 2020 to 15 October 2025, were included for this study.

Data extraction and synthesis

All authors independently extracted data using the Joanna Briggs Institute manual for evidence synthesis. Any incongruity of the result in the data extraction process was resolved through discussions and consensus (ie, a Delphi process). The data were analysed using Stata Corp V.11 software. The heterogeneity between studies was assessed using I2 test statistics and the random-effects meta-analysis was done using the restricted maximum likelihood method. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots, and Egger's and Begg's tests.

Result

In this study, a total of 802 articles were identified using different electronic databases. Finally, 12 studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included for systematic review and meta-analysis. A total of 7397 study participants were sampled from April 2020 to August 2021. The overall estimated pooled prevalence of IPV was 33.5% (95% CI 22.9% to 44.1%) and the prevalence of physical, psychological and sexual violence was 16.4%, 28.2% and 17.4%, respectively. Different factors such as: age of the young women (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=3.24; 95% CI 0.6, 5.8, p=0.015), lack of formal education (AOR=2.63; 95% CI 1.7, 3.6, p=0.000), partner's substance use (AOR=2.07; 95% CI 1.5, 2.7, p=0.000), partner not attending formal education (AOR=3.38; 95% CI 2.2, 4.6, p=0.000) and partner's alcohol use (AOR=2.82; 95% CI 1.1, 4.6, p=0.000) were found to be significantly associated with IPV among women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

In this study, a third of women of reproductive age experienced IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women whose partners used alcohol and other substances were found to be vulnerable to IPV. Therefore, this finding gives an insight for policymakers to focus on empowering women and their partner's economic and educational status, promoting health education for partners towards the negative impact of bad behaviours like alcohol and other substance utilisation on their health, and the physical, mental and social wellbeing of women. Moreover, the burden of IPV is increased not only during such a pandemic but also during different internal displacements, conflicts and unrest. Therefore, we recommend policymakers to frequently assess IPV-related burdens during such events and act accordingly.

Intimate partner violence in women with cancer: An integrative review

Objective

This study aims to estimate the incidence of intimate partner violence (IPV) among women cancer survivors and identify associated factors.

Methods

Using Whittemore and Knafl's integrative review method, we synthesized literature on the association between IPV and cancer in women.

Results

We conducted a comprehensive search of literature published between 2003 and 2024 across eight databases, resulting in 24 English-language articles. These articles included qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies. Our synthesis identified several factors influencing the relationship between IPV and cancer, including sociodemographic factors (e.g., age and income), health-related factors, lifestyle-related factors (such as life experiences and interpersonal relationships), cancer-related factors (including type and treatment), and cancer screening behaviors.

Conclusions

The study highlights that various factors contribute to the prevalence of IPV among women with cancer. Particularly vulnerable are younger patients, those with lower incomes, and those with more severe disease manifestations. Healthcare professionals should assess for IPV risk during medical consultations and ensure access to appropriate support services.

Factors Influencing Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake among Reproductive-Aged Filipino Women: Findings from the 2022 Philippines National Demographic and Health Survey

Background

Cervical cancer (CC) is the fourth leading cause of death among cancer cases and women intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors are more likely to experience CC-related mortality. This study aims to evaluate the factors influencing CC screening uptake among reproductive-aged women, especially among IPV survivors in the Philippines.

Method

We used the 2022 Philippines' National Demographic and Health Survey. The outcome variable was undergoing CC screening. The independent variables were different types of IPV, sociodemographic characteristics (age groups, place of residency, education level, wealth quintile, marital status, religion, employment), and other important variables (number of sexual partners, number of children, and access to health care). Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to examine influencing factors of CC screening.

Method

The results revealed that approximately 10% (n = 1,648) of the women who participated in the survey had screened for CC. The results showed that women who experienced at least one type of IPV (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08-1.62), aged 45-49 years (aOR = 6.42, 95% CI = 2.60-15.54), higher education (aOR = 14.26, 95% CI = 3.28-61.99), wealthier (aOR = 3.46, 95% CI = 2.54-4.72), having current employment (aOR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.08-1.57), and having more than five lifetime sexual partners (aOR = 3.16, 95% CI =1.00-9.97), were more likely to undergo CC screening than their counterparts.

Conclusion

Future CC screening initiatives should prioritize women with lower educational and socioeconomic backgrounds to effectively bridge the gaps in health disparities.

Preparing to intervene in intimate partner violence: An interprofessional safety planning and assessment simulation

The healthcare system is often the point where intimate partner violence (IPV) can be identified and where intervention strategies are initiated. Healthcare workers often operate in silos; therefore, timely and appropriate intervention depends on effective interdisciplinary communication and teamwork. Interprofessional education initiatives are one method for promoting interdisciplinary cooperation. This article describes an interprofessional educational simulation involving social work and nursing students. One nursing and one social work student were paired to practice screening, referrals, assessments, and safety planning for IPV. The pilot run of this simulation consisted of 140 nursing and 137 social work students. Participants expressed greater confidence in their ability to work with survivors post simulation (t = 5.25, p = .001) and evaluated their knowledge concerning IPV more positively (t = 63.22, p = .001). Focus groups highlighted team synergy as an essential element in the working relationship, the importance of communication skills, and the influence of prior experience on one's approach to domestic violence situations. Future projects should focus on expanding the scope of simulation by addressing more diverse situations as well as by incorporating more professions likely to interact with intimate partner violence survivors.

Interprofessional Education for Domestic Violence Safety Planning in Nursing and Social Work: A Scoping Review

Rationale

Nurses and social workers in healthcare settings are positioned to identify abuse and contribute to improving the wellbeing of victims and their family members by screening for, providing safety education about, and reporting abuse when required by law.

Objective

The review aims to assess the current state of the simulation education for addressing the needs of domestic violence (DV) survivors to screen, assess, and intervene in DV cases in healthcare settings.

Method

A scoping review to map the peer-reviewed evidence on interprofessional education (IPE) was conducted by means of automated database search for nursing and social work students. The methodology was informed by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews.

Results

Categories identified across the included articles were grouped according to the 1) methods of instruction and student assessment; 4) benefits of conducting DV-focused IPE; and 2) challenges of conducting DV-focused IPE.

Conclusions

These results have assessed what is known about educating social work professionals to collaborate across disciplines and highlight the need for IPE opportunities to enhance student knowledge of best practices in relation to the screening, assessment, and management of DV in healthcare settings.

Effects of trauma history on cancer-related screening, diagnosis, and treatment

Trauma has substantial effects on human health and is recognised as a potential barrier to seeking or receiving cancer care. The evidence that exists regarding the effect of trauma on seeking cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment and the gaps therein can define this emerging research area and guide the development of interventions intended to improve the cancer care continuum for trauma survivors. This Review summarises current literature on the effects of trauma history on screening, diagnosis, and treatment among adult patients at risk for or diagnosed with cancer. We discuss a complex relationship between trauma history and seeking cancer-related services, the nature of which is influenced by the necessity of care, perceived or measured health status, and potential triggers associated with the similarity of cancer care to the original trauma. Collaborative scientific investigations by multidisciplinary teams are needed to generate further clinical evidence and develop mitigation strategies to provide trauma-informed cancer care for this patient population.

Is there an association between intimate partner violence and the prevalence of cervical cancer screening in Jordan?

BACKGROUND

Major health inequalities exist surrounding the utilisation of cervical cancer screening services globally. Jordan, a low- and middle-income country, has poor screening rates (15.8%), with barriers to accessing services, including lack of education. Emerging studies demonstrate that intimate partner violence (IPV) impacts reproductive health decisions. As a large proportion of Jordanian women have reported experiencing IPV, this study examines the association between IPV and cervical cancer screening in Jordan, the first of its kind using national-level data.

METHODS

Using Jordan's Demographic Health Survey 2017-18, cervical cancer screening awareness and self-reported screening were estimated in participants who answered questions on IPV (n = 6679). After applying sample weights, Heckman's two-stage probit model determined the association of awareness and utilisation of cervical cancer screening with experience of IPV, adjusting for the socio-economic factors.

RESULTS

Of the women with privacy to answer the IPV module, 180 (3.4%) were found to be victims of sexual violence, 691 of physical violence (12.6%) and 935 (16.2%) of emotional violence. Women subjected to sexual violence were less likely to admit to having awareness of a Pap smear test; however, this did not impact screening rates. Victims of emotional violence were more likely to be screened than non-victims. No association between physical violence and cervical cancer screening was found.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant association between cervical screening awareness and IPV demonstrates that cancer screening policies must consider IPV among women to improve screening awareness. The paper further sheds light on the paradoxical association between emotional violence and screening. It is acknowledged this situation may be far worse than reported, as women without autonomy were unlikely to answer IPV questions that may endanger them-targeted surveys on cervical cancer screening warrant further investigation.

Adverse health correlates of intimate partner violence against older women: Mining electronic health records

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is often studied as a problem that predominantly affects younger women. However, studies show that older women are also frequently victims of abuse even though the physical effects of abuse are harder to detect. In this study, we mined the electronic health records (EHR) available through IBM Explorys to identify health correlates of IPV that are specific to older women. Our analyses suggested that diagnostic terms that are co-morbid with IPV in older women are dominated by substance abuse and associated toxicities. When we considered differential co-morbidity, i.e., terms that are significantly more associated with IPV in older women compared to younger women, we identified terms spanning mental health issues, musculoskeletal issues, neoplasms, and disorders of various organ systems including skin, ears, nose and throat. Our findings provide pointers for further investigation in understanding the health effects of IPV among older women, as well as potential markers that can be used for screening IPV.

The Effect of Intimate Partner Violence on the Physical Health and Health-Related Behaviors of Women: A Systematic Review of the Literature

AIM

The long-term effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) on physical health outcomes and health-related behaviors are underresearched in comparison to the effects on mental health and pregnancy. This systematic review examines the recent research in this area from 2012 through 2019.

METHODS

SCOPUS, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and gray literature were searched using the key words "intimate partner violence" and "health." To meet inclusion criteria, studies needed to be original research and focus on IPV during adulthood and its effects on the physical health or health-related behaviors of women. Fifty-two studies were qualitatively analyzed, with results grouped into broad categories of effects, including cardiovascular, endocrine, infectious diseases, and health screening.

RESULTS

IPV was shown to have negative effects on physical health outcomes for women, including worsening the symptoms of menopause and increasing the risk of developing diabetes, contracting sexually transmitted infections, engaging in risk-taking behaviors including the abuse of drugs and alcohol, and developing chronic diseases and pain. It also has significant effects on human immunodeficiency virus outcomes, worsening CD4+ cell depletion. Results varied regarding the effects of IPV on cardiovascular health outcomes.

CONCLUSION

The result of this review demonstrates that women who have experienced violence and abuse are at significantly increased risk of poor health outcomes in a variety of areas and so require specialized and tailored primary care. This review highlights significant gaps in this field of research, particularly in relation to cardiovascular disease, endocrine dysfunction, and neurological symptoms and conditions. It demonstrates a need for additional long-term studies in this field to better inform the health care of women who have experienced IPV and to establish the physiological mediators of these outcomes.

Sexual health and wellbeing after pelvic radiotherapy among women with and without a reported history of sexual abuse: important issues in cancer survivorship care

Aims

Sexual abuse is a women’s health concern globally. Although experience of sexual abuse and cancer may constitute risk factors for sexual dysfunction and low wellbeing, the effects of sexual abuse have received little attention in oncology care. This study aims to explore sexual health and wellbeing in women after pelvic radiotherapy and to determine the relationship between sexual abuse and sexual dysfunction, and decreased wellbeing.

Methods

Using a study-specific questionnaire, data were collected during 2011–2017 from women with gynaecological, anal, or rectal cancer treated with curative pelvic radiotherapy in a population-based cohort and a referred patient group. Subgroup analyses of data from women with a reported history of sexual abuse were conducted, comparing socio-demographics, diagnosis, aspects of sexual health and wellbeing.

Results

In the total sample of 570 women, 11% reported a history of sexual abuse and among these women the most common diagnosis was cervical cancer. More women with than without a history of sexual abuse reported feeling depressed (19.4% vs. 9%, p = 0.007) or anxious (22.6% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.007) and suffering genital pain during sexual activity (52% vs. 25.1%, p = 0.011, RR 2.07, CI 1.24–3.16). In the total study cohort, genital pain during sexual activity was associated with vaginal shortness (68.5% vs. 31.4% p ≤ 0.001) and inelasticity (66.6% vs. 33.3%, p ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that a history of both sexual abuse and pelvic radiotherapy in women are associated with increased psychological distress and sexual impairment, challenging healthcare professionals to take action to prevent retraumatisation and provide appropriate interventions and support.

Is stress related to the presence and persistence of oncogenic human papillomavirus infection in young women?

Background

Persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) is the most important risk factor for the development of cervical cancer, but factors contributing to HR-HPV persistence are incompletely understood. The objective of this study was to test for associations of chronic stress and two aspects of diurnal cortisol secretion (i.e., the cortisol awakening response [CAR] and total cortisol output over the day [AUCgday]) with HR-HPV status at baseline and 12 months later (follow-up).

Methods

We evaluated 188 women (25 ± 3 years) at baseline. Follow-up investigation was restricted to HR-HPV infected women at baseline. Of the initial 48 HR-HPV positive participants, 42 completed the follow-up (16 HR-HPV positive and 26 HR-HPV negative). At baseline and follow-up, we determined HR-HPV status in cervical smears, assessed chronic stress, and repeatedly measured salivary cortisol over the day. At baseline, we analyzed salivary cortisol only in a subgroup of 90 participants (45 HR-HPV negative and 45 HR-HPV positive).

Results

At baseline, higher chronic stress (excessive demands at work: p = .022, chronic worrying: p = .032), and a higher CAR (p = .014) were related to baseline HR-HPV positivity. At follow-up, there was a statistical trend for a positive association between the CAR and HR-HPV positivity (p = .062). Neither the CAR nor the AUCgday mediated the associations between chronic stress and HR-HPV status.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that both chronic stress and diurnal cortisol are related to the presence of HR-HPV infection and may thus play a role in HPV-associated cervical carcinogenesis.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Experiences of Anal Cancer and Anal Cancer Screening Among a Clinical Sample of Hispanic Women

OBJECTIVE

Anal cancer screening has been recommended for women with lower genital tract neoplasia, lupus, Crohn disease, HIV, and/or organ transplantation recipients. This study described and compared knowledge, attitudes, and experiences related to anal cancer and anal cancer screening between women at high risk for anal cancer and their counterparts.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study within colposcopy and gynecology oncology clinics in Puerto Rico; 278 women 21 years or older and with prior diagnosis of gynecological neoplasia completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Women were categorized according to their medical history as being high risk or non-high risk for anal cancer. The high-risk group included women with a history of lower genital tract neoplasia, lupus, Crohn disease, HIV, and/or organ transplantation.

RESULTS

Overall, 40.7% of the study population were at high risk for developing anal cancer. History of anal cancer screening was low among high-risk and non-high-risk women (11.5% vs 5.6%, p > .05). Less than 1% of all women reported to have had a high-resolution anoscopy. Most women (87.6%) had little knowledge about anal Pap test but were willing to have one if their doctors recommended it (96.5%). No major differences in knowledge, attitudes, or screening history were observed between high-risk and non-high-risk women.

CONCLUSIONS

Although experts do not recommend routine anal cancer screening for the general population, they do recommend it for women within certain high-risk groups. Study findings highlight the importance of increasing education and awareness of anal cancer among high-risk patients and physicians, to promote better preventive methods, achieve early detection, and improve disease outcomes.

Child Maltreatment and Polyvictimization as Predictors of Intimate Partner Violence in Women From the General Population of Quebec

This study aimed to (a) evaluate the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) and revictimization among a representative sample of 1,001 women living in Quebec, Canada; (b) examine whether IPV was predicted by experiences of child maltreatment; and (c) explore the role of polyvictimization on IPV beyond the effect of any type of exposure. Results indicate the prevalence rates of lifetime IPV (10.5%), IPV over the last year (2.5%), and revictimization (7.2%). All forms of child maltreatment predicted an increased risk of IPV victimization, yet polyvictimization was related to IPV beyond the effects of specific forms of child maltreatment.

Abuse, cancer and sexual dysfunction in women: A potentially vicious cycle

More than 30% of women have a history of abuse. Women with cancer may be at substantially increased risk for abuse, but this issue is rarely discussed in the course of oncology care. Women with a history of abuse who present for cancer care commonly have a high prevalence of co-morbid illness. Sexual dysfunction, a highly prevalent but under-recognized condition among women of all ages, is also more common among both women with a history of abuse and women with cancer. Although common after cancer, sexual dysfunction, like abuse, can be stigmatizing and often goes undiagnosed and untreated. This review first examines the literature for evidence of a relationship between any history of abuse and cancer among women, addressing two questions: 1) How does abuse promote or create risk for developing cancer? 2) How does cancer increase a woman's susceptibility to abuse? We then examine evidence for a relationship between abuse and female sexual dysfunction, followed by an investigation of the complex relationship between all three factors: abuse, sexual dysfunction and cancer. The literature is limited by a lack of harmonization of measures across studies, retrospective designs, and small and idiosyncratic samples. Despite these limitations, it is imperative that providers integrate the knowledge of this complex relationship into the care of women with cancer.

Health and Health Care From the Perspective of Intimate Partner Violence Adult Female Victims in Shelters: Impact of IPV, Unmet Needs, Barriers, Experiences, and Preferences

Intimate partner violence (IPV) predicts poor health for victims and their children, but little is known about the perspective of victims. This study reports the perspectives of adult female IPV victims about the impact of IPV on their health and barriers of health care access for themselves and their children. The majority rated their health as good to excellent (69%). However, 83.5% indicated that IPV negatively affected their health; 53.5% had unmet health care needs. Mental health care was the most common unmet need for women; children's unmet needs were immunizations and preventive care. Transportation difficulties posed the biggest barrier to health care access.

Intimate Partner Violence Among Women Diagnosed With Cancer

BACKGROUND

There is growing evidence that women diagnosed with cancer can experience intimate partner violence (IPV). This combined experience of cancer and abuse can have a profound effect on health and treatment outcomes for these cancer survivors.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this literature review was to assess the presence of IPV among female cancer survivors and to provide oncology nurses with clinical guidelines about IPV.

METHODS

A systematic strategy was used to locate original research from 4 databases: CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science. Key words were used to help identify articles that focused on cancer, abuse, treatment decision making, and clinical guidelines.

RESULTS

The 10 selected articles that met the inclusion criteria were published between 2005 and 2014. The reviewed studies provided accounts of abusive partner behaviors toward women throughout their cancer trajectory. Global organizations provided the framework for clinical guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

Challenges faced by women who are concurrently living with IPV and cancer survivorship can impact treatment decision making and health outcomes. The assessment and recognition of IPV by oncology nurses are essential to help create a clinical environment in which patients feel safe and supported.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

This review includes clinical guidelines and describes legal considerations for oncology nurses to consider when they address and respond to IPV in their practice. The use of clinical guidelines that focus on IPV can provide standardized care in the oncology setting that can further help to meet the needs of these women.

Intimate partner violence and women's cancer quality of life

PURPOSE

Because intimate partner violence (IPV) may disproportionately impact women's quality of life (QOL) when undergoing cancer treatment, women experiencing IPV were hypothesized to have (a) more symptoms of depression or stress and (b) lower QOL as measured with the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-B) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Spiritual Well-being (FACIT-SP) Scales relative to those never experiencing IPV.

METHODS

Women, aged 18-79, who were included in one of two state cancer registries from 2009 to 2015 with a recent incident, primary, invasive biopsy-confirmed cancer diagnosis were recruited and asked to complete a phone interview, within 12 months of diagnosis. This interview measured IPV by timing (current and past) and type (physical, sexual, psychological), socio-demographics, and health status. Cancer registries provided consenting women's cancer stage, site, date of diagnosis, and age.

RESULTS

In this large cohort of 3,278 women who completed a phone interview, 1,221 (37.3%) disclosed lifetime IPV (10.6% sexual, 24.5% physical, and 33.6% psychological IPV). Experiencing IPV (particularly current IPV) was associated with poorer cancer-related QOL defined as having more symptoms of depression and stress after cancer diagnosis and lower FACIT-SP and FACT scores than women not experiencing IPV and controlling for confounders including demographic factors, cancer stage, site, and number of comorbid conditions. Current IPV was more strongly associated with poorer QOL. When compared with those experiencing past IPV (and no IPV), women with cancer who experienced current IPV had significantly higher depression and stress symptoms scores and lower FACIT-SP and FACT-G scores indicating poorer QOL for all domains. While IPV was not associated with being diagnosed at a later cancer stage, current IPV was significantly associated with having more than one comorbid physical conditions at interview (adjusted rate ratio = 1.35; 95% confidence interval 1.19-1.54) and particularly for women diagnosed with cancer when <55 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Current and past IPV were associated with poorer mental and physical health functioning among women recently diagnosed with cancer. Including clinical IPV screening may improve women's cancer-related QOL.

Patient Perspectives on Intimate Partner Violence Discussion during Genetic Counseling Sessions

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major health concern in the United States (ACOG 2013). The World Health Organization (WHO) describes IPV as any physical, sexual, psychological harm by a current or former intimate partner (WHO 2016). Due to the psychosocial depth and nature of discussions within genetic counseling sessions, patients may disclose and/or discuss IPV as it relates to sexual well-being, reproductive and overall health. This study aims to assess the role for IPV screening, counseling and intervention in genetic counseling practice by investigating the incidence, experiences and attitudes about IPV among genetic counseling patients. Patients receiving genetic counseling at an urban metropolitan hospital were anonymously surveyed about experiences and perspectives on IPV as a topic of discussion during genetic counseling sessions. Among 60 eligible patients, 50 completed the survey (49 females, 1 male, of which, 5 identified as LGBT) ages 20 to 66. The incidence of IPV in this group was 16.0 % (n = 8). Majority of participants had never been asked about IPV by a healthcare provider (n = 32; 64.0%), would have felt comfortable answering questions about IPV by their healthcare provider (n = 34; 68.0%), and would have felt comfortable answering questions about IPV by their genetic counselor (n = 39; 78.0%). Perspectives from all participants, notably those with IPV history, provided insights to the role of genetic counselors in areas for IPV screening and counseling training.

Partner interfering behaviors affecting cancer quality of life

Objective

Because partners are an important and unpaid resource in cancer care, understanding how destructive, controlling or interfering partner behaviors influence women's cancer care may be particularly relevant for health care providers seeking to provide cancer care and enhance recovery. Using a new measure of partner interfering behaviors in cancer care (PIB‐C), we investigated whether women with a recent cancer diagnosis who additionally endorsed any PIB‐C would report (a) more symptoms of depression and stress, and (b) lower Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT‐G) and lower Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy‐Spiritual Well‐being (FACIT‐SP) scale scores indicating poorer quality of life (QOL).

Methods

Women aged 18–79 included in cancer registries as having an incident, primary, biopsy‐confirmed cancer in the past 12 months were eligible for this study. Consenting women completed a phone interview 9–12 months following cancer diagnosis between 2009 and 2015. Interviews provided data to measure outcomes (perceived stress and depressive symptoms, FACIT‐SP and FACT‐G scores), partner supportive and interfering behaviors, and other potentially confounding factors.

Results

Of the 2376 women in a relationship at cancer diagnosis, 14.7% endorsed one or more of 14 PIB‐C items. Women endorsing any PIB‐C item reported more symptoms of depression and stress and lower FACT‐G and FACIT‐SP scores than partnered women reporting no PIB‐C even when controlling for partner supportive behaviors and lifetime intimate partner violence. Increasing PIB‐C scores were also correlated, in a dose–response pattern, with these same outcomes.

Conclusions

Partner interfering behaviors during cancer care impact patients' QOL across multiple domains. © 2016 The Authors. Psycho‐Oncology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Measures for screening for intimate partner violence: a systematic review

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: Intimate partner violence (IPV) has a significant impact on the onset, duration and recurrence of mental health problems. Prevalence rates of IPV are significantly higher in mental health services, but the studies are limited. Accurate assessment of IPV is important for decision making in risk assessment and safety planning within mental health nursing. Psychometrically tested tools are the most accurate way to identifying all areas of IPV abuse: physical, sexual and psychological. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Ten IPV screening tools were identified in healthcare and three tools; Women Abuse Screen Tool (WAST), Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) and Humiliation, Afraid, Rape and Kick (HARK) were identified as having strong psychometric values as they assessed all areas of IPV and were validated against an appropriate reference standard. None of the three IPV tools identified (WAST, AAS, HARK) were tested on men or in mental health settings impacting the gender sensitivities of the tools and the reliability of the prevalence rates of IPV in mental healthcare. Over seventy percent of the studies reviewed were conducted in America this impacts the cultural sensitivities of the IPV tools. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: IPV screening needs to be incorporated as a priority in mental health services in order to reduce the morbidity and mortality issues associated with this abuse. Psychometric tools to screen for IPV need to be incorporated to assist mental health professionals in decision making in risk assessment and safety planning. Further research is needed to improve the psychometric properties of IPV tools in mental health settings, to ensure they are culturally and gender sensitive.

ABSTRACT

Objective Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a public health priority due to the physical and mental impacts it has on health. No existing reviews have focused on the psychometric properties of IPV screening tools used to screen men and women within a mental health context. This review aimed to identify the best psychometrically tested screening tools available to assess all areas of IPV in men and women in mental health setting. Method Databases psycArticles, PsycINFO, Social Science, CINAHL, PubMed and Cochrane were searched from their starting date through to July 2015. Eligible studies were published in peer-reviewed publications in English. Results Thirty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Ten IPV screening tools were identified. Three tools assessed all areas of IPV and were validated against an appropriate reference standard. One study tested IPV screening tool in a mental health setting. Conclusion Mental health nurses need to incorporate a psychometrically tested IPV tool as part of risk assessment and safety planning for clients. This review identified three tools that are suitable for identifying IPV in a mental health context. However, further research is necessary to validate IPV screening tools that are culturally sensitive and have been validated with men and women.

Factors Mediating the Relationship Between Intimate Partner Violence and Cervical Cancer Among Thai Women

Previous research suggests that intimate partner violence (IPV), particularly physical or sexual violence, was associated with cervical cancer. However, there is less work examining the mechanism of the relationship between IPV and cervical cancer. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine psychosocial factors (e.g., stress, social support, self-esteem, and depressive symptoms) as mediators of the relationship between IPV and cervical cancer among 532 Thai women with gynecological problems. About 21.1% of participants reported any type of IPV (e.g., physical, sexual, or emotional violence) in the past year and 22.2% had cervical cancer. IPV was significantly positively associated with stress, depressive symptoms, and cervical cancer but negatively correlated with social support and self-esteem. Results from structural equation modeling indicated that not only did IPV exhibit significantly direct effects on social support, stress, and depressive symptoms, and indirect effects on self-esteem, but it also had a significant, positive, total effect on cervical cancer. IPV exhibited the significant indirect effect on cervical cancer through social support, self-esteem, stress, and depressive symptoms. The model fitted very well to the empirical data and explained 9% of variance. The findings affirmed that those psychosocial factors were mediators of the relationship between IPV and cervical cancer. Health care protocols for abused women should include screening for and treatment of IPV-related psychosocial factors. Interventions that provide social support and protect self-esteem should reduce stress and depressive symptoms among abused women, thereby reducing the risk of cervical cancer.