Attitudes toward intimate partner violence and levels of hope in university students in health-related departments

Abstract

Background: Intimate partner violence, is a major public and clinical health issue. Health institutions are one of the institutions to which a violence victim applies first. That is why the attitude of future health professionals is important. Hope is a concept that supports well-being and mental health. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between attitudes towards intimate partner violence and hope levels of university students studying in the field of health. Methods: The research was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The research was carried out in December 2021 with 934 students. Data were collected using the sociodemographic data form, the acceptance of couple violence scale, and the trait hope scale. Results: %65 have a date or an ex-date, and %3.1 of them have experienced dating violence. 2.1% of the female students and 6.9% of the male students reported having experienced dating violence, and this was significantly higher in male students. Acceptance of couple violence among students are low in all dimensions. Acceptance of violence by men was significantly higher in all dimensions. Acceptance of male violence was significantly higher in those who use cigarettes and alcohol, and those who have experienced domestic or dating violence. The hope scale scores were close to high in all dimensions. Conclusion: The findings of the study showed the attitudes of students studying in health fields against violence. Students have dating relationships, are exposed to any violence in dating relationships, had low levels of acceptance of couple violence and high levels of hope. Students will start working with hope.