Experience of Dental Surgeons in Primary Care for Women Affected by Violence: A Clinical Qualitative Study

• Grant number: 24/18809-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: July 31, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health
• Principal Investigator: Luciane Miranda Guerra
• Grantee: Michelli Caroliny de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba (FOP). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Violence against women is recognised as a significant public health issue, both in Brazil and globally, in addition to being classified as a crime. Victims of such violence often seek healthcare services at some point. However, many healthcare professionals encounter challenges in providing the necessary support. This study aims to investigate the perceptions of primary care dentists in Piracicaba, São Paulo, regarding the barriers and facilitators to emotional management when caring for women suspected of or victimised by violence. A clinical qualitative research design will be employed, utilising in-depth individual interviews to gather insights, perceptions, and experiences from participants. The interviews will be audio-recorded and fully transcribed, with the resulting data analysed using clinical qualitative content analysis. It is anticipated that the findings will illuminate the psychological aspects, emotions, and meanings that dentists associate with these cases. The hypothesis posits that significant barriers hinder dentists' emotional management of victims of violence. Understanding the emotional implications for these professionals is crucial for identifying such barriers and developing strategies to overcome them, thereby enhancing their capacity to support and manage cases involving victims.