Date of Defense
4-18-2023
Date of Graduation
4-2023
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Pamela Wadsworth
Second Advisor
Maria Roche-Dean
Abstract
Introduction
The overall purpose of this study was to understand the prevalence of intimate partner violence in nursing students and assess the amount of education and knowledge that nursing students have on this topic. In addition, resources were provided to the students. Suggestions for improvement are also provided for the nursing staff and faculty. There is currently little education being provided to nursing students regarding intimate partner violence, which leads to unpreparedness in the nurse role and failure to recognize abusive situations in their personal lives. The qualitative data is limited regarding the prevalence of intimate partner violence in nursing students. The qualitative research that has been published is limited to healthcare professionals in general, neglecting the sample population of nursing students.
Methods
The study assessed the prevalence of intimate partner violence in nursing students of Bronson School of Nursing at Western Michigan University through an anonymous online survey. There was an intimate partner workshop conducted to a sample of 45 undergraduate nursing students in NUR 2300 to educate about what intimate partner violence is, warning signs, and resources for those experiencing an abusive relationship. The participants attended a workshop conducted by Danielle Snow from the FIRE group, Bridget Betzig from YWCA Kalamazoo, and myself. The research guided in identifying the prevalence of intimate partner violence in nursing students at Western Michigan University. The survey data was collected anonymously through an online survey and reported as a whole. The data is confidential and is analyzed on devices by the thesis board researchers at Western Michigan University. The data will be maintained for five years.
Results
Thirty-two nursing students (71.1% response rate) participated in the pre-test survey assessing current knowledge about intimate partner violence, education about intimate partner violence in nursing school, and specific numbers regarding prevalence of intimate partner violence. The overarching theme was the lack of education provided in nursing school and low confidence levels about handling a situation involving intimate partner violence. Finally, the prevalence of intimate partner violence in the sample of nursing students at Western Michigan University was 34.4%.
Discussion
The study reviewed qualitative findings across a sample of nursing students that demonstrated the importance of education about intimate partner violence to prepare students for the role as a registered nurse. The Bronson School of Nursing faculty should consider adding a module or course about intimate partner violence, assessing the needs of students who are experiencing intimate partner violence, and providing resources to all students. The study was strengthened by the specific sample of nursing students as they are currently enrolled in The Bronson School of Nursing, the workshop providing education to the students, and the pre-test survey to guide in gathering data. The study was limited to only 45 participants from a single nursing class at Western Michigan University and only 5 participant responses in the post-test survey.
Recommended Citation
Michalowski, Sara, "Intimate Partner Violence in Nursing Students: Prevalence and Impact of Educational Workshop" (2023). Honors Theses. 3636.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/3636
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Open Access
Defense Presentation