[Impact of the WAST-fr questionnaire for screening intimate partner violence during pre-abortion consultations]

Unintended pregnancies are more strongly associated with the risk of intimate partner violence (and/or sexual violence). While healthcare professionals are on the front line of screening, and guidelines recommend systematically asking about violence, such cases are rarely detected. This article aims to measure the impact of the WAST questionnaire in screening for intimate partner violence during pre-abortion consultations and its acceptability among healthcare professionals.

This is a single-center retrospective analytical study involving patients seeking abortion at the sexual health center of the University Hospital of Reims over a six-month period, combined with an analysis of professional practices. We compared two screening methods: a direct question asked during the medical history and the use of the WAST questionnaire.

We observed better screening results with the WAST than with a closed question, although it did not increase the number of reported cases of violence. We identified factors significantly associated with violence, serving as warning signs: repeated abortions, delayed requests, or advanced gestational age. Regarding healthcare professionals, this was an informed group that agreed a questionnaire could facilitate screening. After using it, they reported finding it useful.

All healthcare professionals should be trained in screening for intimate partner (and/or sexual) violence and in its management, so that patients can feel confident to discuss it. Moreover, during pregnancy, it is possible to have an impact on medico-legal management (judicial reporting, filing a complaint). Our study shows that the use of the WAST has a positive impact on screening for intimate partner violence and is considered a useful tool by professionals in the context of pre-abortion consultations.