Professional Self‐Efficacy and Readiness to Encounter Individuals Exposed to Partner Abuse in Nurses: A Cross‐Sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Aim

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between professional self-efficacy and readiness to encounter individuals who were exposed to partner abuse in nurses and the factors affecting them.

Design

A cross-sectional, descriptive quantitative design was employed.

Methods

This study was conducted with 325 nurses working in a public hospital between July and October 2023. Data were collected using the Nursing Profession Self-Efficacy Scale and the Readiness to Encounter Partner Abuse Patients Scale. Descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation analysis, and multiple regression model were used in the analysis of thedata.

Results

It was determined that nurses' self-efficacy, knowledge and emotional readiness levels for encountering individuals who were subjected to partner abuse were low, their motivation ranged from medium to high, and that there was a positive and high correlation between self-efficacy and readiness levels. Nurses' experience of encountering individuals subjected to partner abuse, education on encountering partner abuse, and professional self-efficacy explained 46.2% of the total variance in nurses' readiness levels.

Conclusions

The results revealed that although nurses were moderately to highly motivated, they generally exhibited low self-efficacy, knowledge and emotional preparedness when encountering individuals who had experienced partner abuse. Professional self-efficacy, education and previous experience contributed significantly to nurses' preparedness. These results emphasise the need for targeted education and support to increase nurses' preparedness to effectively address partner abuse.

Implications

Enhancing the professional competency of nurses and obtaining training on partner abuse is essential for delivering good care and intervention to individuals being abused. The results of this study may shed light on policy reforms by strengthening nursing education curricula, in-service training programmes, and institutional protocols and standards for nurses' partner abuse assessment and management.

Reporting Method

The results of this study were reported in accordance with STROBE guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution was received.