The role of primary healthcare physicians in violence against Women intervention program in Indonesia

BACKGROUND: Violence against women (VAW) has many impacts on health, but the role of the primary healthcare physicians in the intervention program is lacking. This research aimed to explore the primary healthcare physician role in a comprehensive intervention program of VAW in Malang City, Indonesia. METHODS: This qualitative research was conducted using a phenomenology approach. A focused group discussion followed by in-depth interviews were carried out involving six primary healthcare physicians in Puskesmas (Primary Healthcare Center) and two stakeholders. Legal document related to VAW was reviewed to measure up the role of the primary healthcare physicians. RESULT: Our study revealed that the role of physicians in primary healthcare centers on the VAW intervention program was limited. This was due to the insufficient knowledge of the physicians on the VAW program, physicians’ constraint on counseling skill, unsupportive infrastructure, and a limited number of physicians in Puskesmas. Some barriers related to the VAW program management were also discovered and needed intervention at the decision-maker level. CONCLUSION: The role of primary healthcare physicians in the comprehensive intervention of the VAW program is not optimum. The source of the problem involves the physician capability and program management aspects in all levels of decision-makers. Local government awareness and commitment are needed to improve the overall management of the VAW intervention program in this city.