Iranian Nurses' Experiences of their Roles in Care Provision to the Victims of Child Violence: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: As the largest group of healthcare providers, nurses have many different responsibilities in care provision to child violence victims (CVVs). Yet, their roles in care provision to these victims are poorly known. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore nurses' experiences of their roles in care provision to CVVs. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in 2018–2019. Fourteen nurses were purposively recruited from two pediatric specialty hospitals in Tehran and Ardabil, Iran. In-depth semi-structured interviews were held for data collection. Data were analyzed through conventional content analysis. Results: Data analysis revealed that nurses' roles in care provision to CVVs included the four main categories of protective, diagnostic, reporting, and educational roles. Conclusions: Nurses play significant roles in care provision to CVVs through diagnosing violence, reporting it, protecting CVVs, and providing education to CVVs and their families. Nonetheless, they receive limited education, if any, in this area.