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. 2022 Mar 9;17(3):e0264338.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264338. eCollection 2022.

Assessing healthcare provider knowledge of human trafficking

Nicole E Exeni McAmis  1   2   3 , Angela C Mirabella  3 , Elizabeth M McCarthy  3 , Cara A Cama  3   4 , Miklos C Fogarasi  3 , Listy A Thomas  3 , Richard S Feinn  3 , Ivelisse Rivera-Godreau  3
Affiliations

Assessing healthcare provider knowledge of human trafficking

Nicole E Exeni McAmis et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background and objectives: Human trafficking is a significant problem in which healthcare workers are in a unique position to intervene. This study sought to determine the self-reported knowledge levels of healthcare providers most likely to come in direct contact with victims of human trafficking.

Methods: An anonymous survey assessing self-reported knowledge of human trafficking was developed and distributed online. Demographic information and questions pertaining to training and knowledge of trafficking in a healthcare setting were asked. The primary outcomes were descriptive statistics and secondary outcomes were comparisons among demographic groups. Qualitative methodology via content analysis was implemented on an open-ended question.

Results: The 6,603 respondents represented all regions of the country. Medical, nursing, and physician assistant students comprised 23% of the sample, while 40% were either physicians, fellows, or residents. Less than half the respondents (42%) have received formal training in human trafficking, while an overwhelming majority (93%) believe they would benefit by such training. Overall, respondents thought their level of knowledge of trafficking was average to below average (mean = 2.64 on a 5-point scale). There were significant differences in knowledge of trafficking by age group (p < .001), region (p < .001), and educational training level (p < .001). 949 respondents (14.4%) provided free-text comments that further described their opinions.

Conclusion: Most respondents stated they have not received training but felt they would benefit from it. There were significant differences between demographic groups. Further innovation is needed to design a universally appropriate curriculum on human trafficking that is accessible to all healthcare providers as well as mandatory training programs for healthcare institutions.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Mean (95% CI) response for each knowledge item.
This figure demonstrates the mean response for each of the 10 knowledge items listed in Table 1.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Mean (95%CI) knowledge score by age group.
This figure demonstrates the mean knowledge score on a Likert scale from 1–5 dependent on age group.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Mean (95%CI) knowledge score by region.
This figure demonstrates the mean knowledge score on a Likert scale from 1–5 dependent on region.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Mean (95%CI) knowledge score by level of training.
This figure demonstrates the mean knowledge score on a Likert scale from 1–5 dependent on level of training.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Isaac R., Solak J., Giardino A.P. (2011). Health Care Providers’ Training Needs Related to Human Trafficking: Maximizing the Opportunity to Effectively Screen and Intervene. Journal of Applied Research on Children: Informing Policy for Children at Risk, 2(1): Article 8.
    1. U.S. Department of State Web site. Trafficking in Persons Report, 2021. Available at: https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/TIPR-GPA-upload-0722202.... Accessed October 2021.
    1. UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, 2021. Available at: https://www.unodc.org/documents/data-and-analysis/tip/2021/GLOTiP_2020_1.... Accessed October 2021.
    1. International Labour Organization (ILO), Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, Geneva, 2017. Available at: https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/@dgreports/@dcomm/documents/pub.... Accessed October 2021.
    1. Banks, D., Kyckelhahn, T. Characteristics of suspected human trafficking incidents, 2008–2010. Special report, US Department of Justice. Available at: http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/cshti0810.pdf. Accessed April 2020.