Healthcare Providers' Readiness in Managing Intimate Partner Violence in Public Hospitals of Gurage Zone, Ethiopia, 2023; Mixed Study Design.

Abstract Background: Intimate partner violence severely affects women's health, especially during pregnancy, causing problems like miscarriage, maternal depression, and suicidal attempts. Victims also face challenges like substance abuse and inadequate prenatal care. Thus, it needs crucial support from healthcare providers. Objective: This study aimed to assess the readiness of healthcare providers to manage intimate partner violence at public hospitals in the Gurage zone, Ethiopia, 2023. Method: A cross-sectional study involving all 610 healthcare providers from selected hospitals was conducted. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 25. Readiness scores were reported using mean and standard deviation, while regression analyses identified factors influencing providers' readiness to manage intimate partner violence. Statistical significance was set at a p-value of less than 0.05. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically. Result: A 99.2% response rate was achieved, with 605 healthcare providers participating. The mean perceived readiness score for managing intimate partner violence was 26.4 ± 7.5 (95% CI: 25.8, 27.0). Significant factors included receiving training (P<0.001, 95% CI β =4.23, 7.21), knowledge (P<0.001, 95% CI β =0.13, 0.25), availability of protocols (P<0.001, 95% CI β =0.86, 5.49), presence of private room (P<0.001, 95% CI β = 1.88, 4.98), and attitude towards intimate partner violence management (P<0.001, 95% CI β =0.10, 0.38). Conclusion and Recommendation: Healthcare providers demonstrated limited perceived readiness in managing intimate partner violence. Training, protocol development, and improving perceived knowledge are crucial for enhancing providers' readiness to manage intimate partner violence. Keywords: Perceived readiness, Knowledge, Protocols