Background: Previous studies have suggested that there are far-reaching potentials for utilizing trauma-informed care as an intervention strategy for victims of trauma such as rape and sexual abuse. This study, therefore, explored the attitude related to trauma-informed care (TIC) by healthcare workers handling rape victims at Orogbum Government Health Center Port Harcourt and Model Primary Health Care Center, Eliozu Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional design, purposive sampling was used to select the study participants, and independent t-test statistics were used to analyze the gathered data. A structured instrument- the Attitudes Related to Trauma-Informed Care (ARTIC) Scale by Baker et al., (2016), was used to elicit respondent’s data. Thirty-eight healthcare workers (23 females- 60.5%, and 15 males- 39.5%) were employed for this service evaluation survey. Three hypotheses were tested. Respondents age distribution were 18-40 years (50%, n=19) and 41-70 years (50%, n=19). Years of experience as healthcare workers - shorter years (11-40 years, n 23)- 60.5%, and longer years of experience (11-40 years, n 15)- 39.5%.
Results: Findings from the study revealed that gender and age, respectively (t=1.785, t= -0.014, p >.05), did not significantly affect the respondent’s attitude towards trauma-informed care. However, the healthcare workers who had spent shorter time (X =207.7) in healthcare service delivery had more positive attitudes to trauma-informed care than their counterparts who had spent longer years (X = 222.1) in healthcare service delivery.
Conclusion: Though underreported, Trauma-related events, especially rape, are widespread in Nigeria. The study suggested that trauma-informed care should be at the center of training for mental health professionals caring for trauma patients.