P-19 Primary care physicians’ cognizance of screening for intimate partner violence among the antenatal population in region 4 in Guyana

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians practicing in 27 public primary healthcare facilities in Region 4. An anonymous structured questionnaire was administered via a secure virtual platform. The survey assessed physician awareness of intimate partner violence, screening practices during pregnancy, adherence to recommended screening intervals, perceived barriers to screening, and availability of standardized screening tools. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings.

Results: Fifty-eight physicians participated in the study. Most respondents (86.2%) were aware of the term, intimate partner violence, and 87.7% reported that screening during pregnancy was part of their professional role. However, routine screening was uncommon, with 63.8% of physicians reporting that they did not screen antenatal patients for intimate partner violence. Among those who screened, practices did not align with recommended periodic screening guidelines. The most frequently reported barriers included lack of recognition of screening as a routine responsibility (34.4%), absence of screening policies or reminder systems (29.3%), lack of confidence in screening and referral (13.7%), time constraints (12%), and limited resources (5.1%). Most physicians reported no awareness of a standardized screening tool within their clinical setting.

Conclusion: Despite high physician awareness of intimate partner violence, routine screening during pregnancy is not consistently implemented in primary care settings in Region 4, Guyana. System level gaps, including absence of standardized tools, policies, and clinical supports, limit effective screening. Strengthening physician training, integrating standardized screening tools, and establishing clear referral pathways are essential to improve early identification of intimate partner violence and enhance antenatal care delivery.