Barriers and Facilitators to Pharmacists' Engagement in Response to Domestic Violence: a Qualitative Interview Study Informed by the Capability-opportunity-motivation-behaviour Model

Overview

Journal J Public Health (Oxf)

Publisher Oxford University Press

Specialty Public Health

Date 2023 Mar 15

PMID 36921261

Authors

Natalia V Lewis

Tracey Stone

Gene S Feder

Jeremy Horwood

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Domestic and sexual violence and abuse (DSVA) is a global public health problem resulting in health inequalities. Community pharmacies are uniquely placed to help people affected by DSVA. We examined factors that impact pharmacists' engagement in response to DSVA when providing public health services.

Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews with community pharmacists (n = 20) were analyzed thematically, with inductive themes mapped to the Capability-Opportunity-Motivation Behaviour (COM-B) model.

Results: Pharmacists were confident in providing public health services, but a lack of DSVA training meant there is a need to support their 'Capability' to respond to DSVA. Pharmacies were perceived as highly accessible healthcare providers on the high street, with sexual health consultations offering an ideal 'Opportunity' to enquire about DSVA in a private consultation room. Pharmacist's 'Motivation' to enquire about DSVA was driven by potential positive client outcomes and a desire to be more involved in public heath interventions, but organisation- and system-level support and remuneration is needed.

Conclusions: Community pharmacy offers opportunities for integrating DSVA work in existing public health services. Pharmacists need training on DSVA, ongoing support, allocated funding for DSVA work, and awareness raising campaign for the public on their extended public health role.

Citing Articles

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Developing new portals to safety for domestic abuse survivors in the context of the pandemic.

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