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Trauma, Violence & Abuse Oct 2023Violence against women (VAW) and violence against children (VAC) are public health issues of global concern. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a commonly occurring form... (Review)
Review
Violence against women (VAW) and violence against children (VAC) are public health issues of global concern. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a commonly occurring form of VAW and there is evidence to suggest that IPV and VAC frequently co-occur within the same families. This systematic literature review searched for studies published in any language between 1 January 2000 to 16 February 2021 and identified 33 studies that provided findings for co-occurring IPV and VAC in 24 low- and middle-income countries (PROSPERO: CRD42020180179). These studies were split into subgroups based on the types of co-occurring violence they present and meta-analyses were conducted to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) within these subgroups. Our results indicate a significant association between IPV and VAC, with all pooled ORs showing a significant positive association between the two. Almost half of the studies focused exclusively on co-occurrence between male-to-female IPV and female caregiver-to-child VAC; few authors reported on male caregiver-to-child violence. Only three studies identified risk factors for co-occurring IPV and VAC, and those that did suggested conflicting findings on the risks associated with maternal age, alcohol and drug use, and parental education level. We also found incongruity in the violence definitions and measurements used across studies. Future research should aim to develop more consistent definitions and measurements for co-occurrence and move beyond solely examining dyadic and unidirectional violence occurrence in families; this will allow us to better understand the interrelationships between these different forms of abuse.
Topics: Female; Male; Humans; Child; Developing Countries; Violence; Intimate Partner Violence; Child Abuse; Risk Factors
PubMed: 35481390
DOI: 10.1177/15248380221082943 -
Journal of Family Violence May 2023We aimed to synthesize insights from systems science approaches applied to domestic and gender-based violence.
PURPOSE
We aimed to synthesize insights from systems science approaches applied to domestic and gender-based violence.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of systems science studies (systems thinking, group model-building, agent-based modeling [ABM], system dynamics [SD] modeling, social network analysis [SNA], and network analysis [NA]) applied to domestic or gender-based violence, including victimization, perpetration, prevention, and community responses. We used blinded review to identify papers meeting our inclusion criteria (i.e., peer-reviewed journal article or published book chapter that described a systems science approach to domestic or gender-based violence, broadly defined) and assessed the quality and transparency of each study.
RESULTS
Our search yielded 1,841 studies, and 74 studies met our inclusion criteria (45 SNA, 12 NA, 8 ABM, and 3 SD). Although research aims varied across study types, the included studies highlighted social network influences on risks for domestic violence, clustering of risk factors and violence experiences, and potential targets for intervention. We assessed the quality of the included studies as moderate, though only a minority adhered to best practices in model development and dissemination, including stakeholder engagement and sharing of model code.
CONCLUSIONS
Systems science approaches for the study of domestic and gender-based violence have shed light on the complex processes that characterize domestic violence and its broader context. Future research in this area should include greater dialogue between different types of systems science approaches, consideration of peer and family influences in the same models, and expanded use of best practices, including continued engagement of community stakeholders.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10896-023-00578-8.
PubMed: 37358982
DOI: 10.1007/s10896-023-00578-8 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Jul 2023Globally, healthcare professionals (HCPs) are increasingly asked to identify and respond to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) among patients. However, their own... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Globally, healthcare professionals (HCPs) are increasingly asked to identify and respond to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) among patients. However, their own experiences of DVA have been largely ignored. To determine the prevalence of current and lifetime DVA victimisation among HCPs globally, and identify risk markers, consequences and support-seeking for DVA.Method: PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL ASSIA and ProQuest were searched. Studies about HCPs' personal experience of any type of DVA from any health service/country were included. Meta-analysis and narrative synthesis were adopted. Fifty-one reports were included. Pooled lifetime prevalence was 31.3% (95% CI [24.7%, 38.7%] < .001)) and past-year prevalence was 10.4% (95% CI [5.8%, 17.9%] <.001). Pooled lifetime prevalence significantly differed (Qb=6.96, < .01) between men (14.8%) and women (41.8%), and between HCPs in low-middle income (64.0%) and high-income countries (20.7%) (Qb = 31.41, <.001). Risk markers were similar to those in the general population, but aspects of the HCP role posed additional and unique risks/vulnerabilities. Direct and indirect consequences of DVA meant HCP-survivors were less able to work to their best ability. While HCP-survivors were more likely than other HCPs to identify and respond to DVA among patients, doing so could be distressing. HCP-survivors faced unique barriers to seeking support. Being unable to access support - which is crucial for leaving or ending relationships with abusive people - leaves HCP-survivors entrapped. Specialised DVA interventions for HCPs are urgently needed, with adaptations for different groups and country settings. Future research should focus on developing interventions with HCP-survivors.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Crime Victims; Delivery of Health Care; Domestic Violence; Health Personnel; Prevalence
PubMed: 34978481
DOI: 10.1177/15248380211061771 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Dec 2023There has been little research on domestic violence (DV) within ethnic minority communities in high-income countries. This study reports on the findings of a... (Review)
Review
A Systematic Review and Meta-Synthesis of Barriers and Facilitators of Help-Seeking Behaviors in South Asian Women Living in High-Income Countries who Have Experienced Domestic Violence: Perception of Domestic Violence Survivors and Service Providers.
There has been little research on domestic violence (DV) within ethnic minority communities in high-income countries. This study reports on the findings of a meta-ethnography that examined the barriers and facilitators of help-seeking behaviors in South Asian women living in high-income countries who have experienced DV to inform practice, understand the limits of the evidence, and identify research gaps. Qualitative studies were identified which were available in English by electronic databases. After an initial search, 2,465 articles were reviewed by title and abstract and 135 articles were reviewed for full text. Thirty-five papers were included for this review and were synthesized using meta-ethnography. Key findings included barriers and facilitators of help-seeking behaviors: (1) Socio-cultural norms to prohibit help-seeking behaviors, (2) Fear of negative consequences, (3) Negative aspects of immigration status, (4) Insufficient support from statutory, and voluntary agencies, (5) Safety strategies and facilitators for surviving. Although this review investigated the perceptions of two different populations (survivors and service providers) both groups had similar views about the barriers and facilitators of help-seeking behaviors. It is crucial for the government and non-government organizations to understand the barriers for women who are DV survivors to seek help from their organizations and also from South Asian ethnicities. The awareness and understanding of these barriers and facilitators may help support the development of interventions to encourage effective help-seeking amongst South Asian women affected by DV. Suggestions for research, practice, and policies are discussed.
Topics: Humans; Female; Developed Countries; Ethnicity; Help-Seeking Behavior; Minority Groups; Domestic Violence; Survivors; Perception
PubMed: 36250293
DOI: 10.1177/15248380221126189 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2022It is well-established that experiencing sexual abuse and violence can have a range of detrimental impacts; a wide variety of interventions exist to support survivors in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
It is well-established that experiencing sexual abuse and violence can have a range of detrimental impacts; a wide variety of interventions exist to support survivors in the aftermath. Understanding the experiences and perspectives of survivors receiving such interventions, along with those of their family members, and the professionals who deliver them is important for informing decision making as to what to offer survivors, for developing new interventions, and enhancing their acceptability.
OBJECTIVES
This review sought to: 1. identify, appraise and synthesise qualitative studies exploring the experiences of child and adult survivors of sexual abuse and violence, and their caregivers, regarding psychosocial interventions aimed at supporting survivors and preventing negative health outcomes in terms of benefits, risks/harms and barriers; 2. identify, appraise and synthesise qualitative studies exploring the experiences of professionals who deliver psychosocial interventions for sexual abuse and violence in terms of perceived benefits, risks/harms and barriers for survivors and their families/caregivers; 3. develop a conceptual understanding of how different factors influence uptake, dropout or completion, and outcomes from psychosocial interventions for sexual abuse and violence; 4. develop a conceptual understanding of how features and types of interventions responded to the needs of different user/survivor groups (e.g. age groups; types of abuse exposure; migrant populations) and contexts (healthcare/therapeutic settings; low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)); 5. explore how the findings of this review can enhance our understanding of the findings from the linked and related reviews assessing the effectiveness of interventions aimed at supporting survivors and preventing negative health outcomes.
SEARCH METHODS
In August 2021 we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and nine other databases. We also searched for unpublished reports and qualitative reports of quantitative studies in a linked systematic review, together with reference checking, citation searches and contacting authors and other researchers to identify relevant studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included qualitative and mixed-methods studies (with an identifiable qualitative component) that were linked to a psychosocial intervention aimed at supporting survivors of sexual abuse and violence. Eligible studies focused on at least one of three participant groups: survivors of any age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity or [dis]ability who had received a psychosocial intervention; their carers, family members or partners; and professionals delivering such interventions. We placed no restrictions in respect of settings, locations, intervention delivery formats or durations.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Six review authors independently assessed the titles, abstracts and full texts identified. We extracted data using a form designed for this synthesis, then used this information and an appraisal of data richness and quality in order to stratify the studies using a maximum variation approach. We assessed the methodological limitations using the Critical Skills Appraisal Programme (CASP) tool. We coded directly onto the sampled papers using NVivo and synthesised data using a thematic synthesis methodology and used the GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) approach to assess our confidence in each finding. We used a narrative synthesis and matrix model to integrate our qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) findings with those of intervention review findings.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified 97 eligible studies and sampled 37 of them for our analysis. Most sampled studies were from high-income countries, with four from middle-income and two from low-income countries. In 27 sampled studies, the participants were survivors, in three they were intervention facilitators. Two included all three of our stakeholder groups, and five included two of our groups. The studies explored a wide range of psychosocial interventions, with only one type of intervention explored in more than one study. The review indicates that features associated with the context in which interventions were delivered had an impact on how individuals accessed and experienced interventions. This included organisational features, such as staff turnover, that could influence survivors' engagement with interventions; the setting or location in which interventions were delivered; and the characteristics associated with who delivered the interventions. Studies that assess the effectiveness of interventions typically assess their impact on mental health; however, as well as finding benefits to mental health, our QES found that study participants felt interventions also had positive impacts on their physical health, mood, understanding of trauma, interpersonal relationships and enabled them to re-engage with a wide range of areas in their lives. Participants explained that features of interventions and their contexts that best enabled them to benefit from interventions were also often things that could be a barrier to benefiting from interventions. For example, the relationship with the therapist, when open and warm was a benefit, but if such a relationship could not be achieved, it was a barrier. Survivors' levels of readiness and preparedness to both start and end interventions could have positive (if they were ready) or negative (if they were not) impacts. Study participants identified the potential risks and harms associated with completing interventions but felt that it was important to face and process trauma. Some elements of interventions were specific to the intervention type (e.g. faith-based interventions), or related to an experience of an intervention that held particular relevance to subgroups of survivors (e.g. minority groups); these issues could impact how individuals experienced delivering or receiving interventions.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
We had high or moderate confidence in all but one of our review findings. Further research in low- and middle-income settings, with male survivors of sexual abuse and violence and those from minority groups could strengthen the evidence for low and moderate confidence findings. We found that few interventions had published quantitative and qualitative evaluations. Since this QES has highlighted important aspects that could enable interventions to be more suitable for survivors, using a range of methodologies would provide valuable information that could enhance intervention uptake, completion and effectiveness. This study has shown that although survivors often found interventions difficult, they also appreciated that they needed to work through trauma, which they said resulted in a wide range of benefits. Therefore, listening to survivors and providing appropriate interventions, at the right time for them, can make a significant difference to their health and well-being.
Topics: Adult; Child; Humans; Male; Psychosocial Intervention; Qualitative Research; Sex Offenses; Survivors; Violence
PubMed: 36194890
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD013648.pub2 -
PloS One 2021Globally, post-partum depression is a major public health problem and is associated with a harmful effect on the infant, child, and mothers' mental, physical, and social... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Globally, post-partum depression is a major public health problem and is associated with a harmful effect on the infant, child, and mothers' mental, physical, and social health. Although a few post-partum depression studies have been published, we still lack an accurate estimated pooled prevalence of national PPD and associated factors.
OBJECTIVES
This study aims to show the estimated pooled prevalence of PPD and associated factors in Ethiopia.
METHODS
We conduct the extensive search of articles as indicated in the guideline (PRISMA), reporting systematic review and meta-analysis. Databases like MEDLINE, PubMed, psych INFO, Web of Science, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and The Cochrane Library. All publications and grey literature were addressed by using MeSH terms and keywords. The pooled estimated effect of post-partum depression and associated factors was analyzed using the random effect model meta-analysis, and 95% CI was also considered.
PROTOCOL AND REGISTRATION
PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020176769 Available from https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020176769.
RESULT
A total of 11 studies with 7,582 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The estimated pooled prevalence of post-partum depression (PPD) was 22.08%, with a 95% CI (17.66%, 26.49). For factors associated with post-partum depression, a random effect size model was used during meta-analysis; unplanned pregnancy [(OR = 2.84; 95% CI (2.04, 3.97)], domestic violence [OR = 3.14; 95% CI (2.59, 3.80)], and poor social support [OR = 3.57;95% CI (2.29,5.54) were positively associated factors with post-partum depression.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
The estimated pooled prevalence of post-partum depression was high in Ethiopia. Unplanned pregnancy, poor social support, and domestic violence were factors affecting PPD. Therefore, the Ethiopian policymakers and health personnel better give more emphasis to mothers who had a history of unplanned pregnancy, domestic violence, and poor social support.
Topics: Depression, Postpartum; Ethiopia; Female; Humans; Prevalence
PubMed: 33606768
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247005 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Jul 2024There is a dearth of evidence indicating the effectiveness of psychological interventions targeting depression and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for Black... (Review)
Review
There is a dearth of evidence indicating the effectiveness of psychological interventions targeting depression and/or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for Black women in the United States (US) exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV). We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EBSCOhost, Social Sciences, Social Sciences Full Text, Social Work Abstracts, and Cochrane databases between September 2021 and October 2022, for original studies of randomized control trials (RCTs) reporting depression and/or PTSD interventions delivered to US Black women with histories of IPV. Of the 1,276 articles, 46 were eligible and 8 RCTs were ultimately included in the review; interventions for depression (four interventions, = 1,518) and PTSD (four interventions, = 477). Among Depression and PTSD interventions (one intervention, = 208), Beck's Depression Inventory II indicated = 35.2, = 12.6 versus = 29.5, = 13.1, <.01, and Davidson Trauma Scale indicated = 79.4, = 31.5 versus = 72.1, = 33.5, <.01, at pre- and post-intervention respectively. Also, some interventions reported severity of depression = 13.9 ( = 5.4) versus = 7.9 ( = 5.7) < 0.01, and PTSD ( = 8.08 vs. = 14.13, (1,117) = 9.93, < .01) at pre- and post-intervention respectively. Publication bias was moderate and varied between 12 and 17 via the Downs and Black Checklist for Methodological Rigor for RCTs. Psychological interventions targeting depression and/or PTSD for Black women with histories of IPV reflect moderate improvement. Interventions that account for cultural nuances specific to Black women are fundamental for improving outcomes for survivors presenting with depression and/or PTSD.
Topics: Humans; Female; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Intimate Partner Violence; United States; Black or African American; Depression; Adult; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 37937723
DOI: 10.1177/15248380231206113 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Apr 2024Evidence on the outcomes of adolescent dating violence (ADV) victimization mainly derives from cross-sectional studies, which have limitations in suggesting causal... (Review)
Review
Evidence on the outcomes of adolescent dating violence (ADV) victimization mainly derives from cross-sectional studies, which have limitations in suggesting causal relationships. Furthermore, the complexity of factors and overlapping dimensions in dating violence research, such as the forms of violence experienced, may have contributed to the variability of findings across the literature. To address these gaps and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of ADV, this study reviews findings from prospective cohort studies, with a focus on the type of violence experienced and the gender of the victim. A systematic search was conducted in nine electronic databases and additional relevant journals. Prospective longitudinal studies were included if dating violence victimization occurred during adolescence and chronologically preceded the outcomes. A quality assessment was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A narrative approach was used to synthesize findings. After screening 1,838 records, 14 publications met the selection criteria and were included in this review. Our findings suggest that experiencing ADV is longitudinally associated with many adverse outcomes, including higher internalizing symptoms and externalizing behaviors, poorer well-being, increased substance use, and increased revictimization. However, the associations are not consistently reported across studies when considering the type of ADV experienced and the gender of the victim. This review highlights the limited number of longitudinal studies examining the outcomes of ADV victimization, the unbalanced approach in investigating different forms of violence, and the lack of diverse samples examining this subject. Implications for research, policy, and practice are outlined.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Adolescent Behavior; Crime Victims; Intimate Partner Violence
PubMed: 37226475
DOI: 10.1177/15248380231174504 -
Conflict and Health Nov 2021Sexual violence and intimate partner violence are exacerbated by armed conflict and other humanitarian crises. This narrative systematic review of evidence for... (Review)
Review
The impact of interventions to reduce risk and incidence of intimate partner violence and sexual violence in conflict and post-conflict states and other humanitarian crises in low and middle income countries: a systematic review.
Sexual violence and intimate partner violence are exacerbated by armed conflict and other humanitarian crises. This narrative systematic review of evidence for interventions to reduce risk and incidence of sexual and intimate partner violence in conflict, post-conflict and other humanitarian crises, updates and expands our review published in 2013. A search of ten bibliographic databases for publications from January 2011 to May 2020 used database specific key words for sexual/intimate partner violence and conflict/humanitarian crisis. The 18 papers, describing 16 studies were undertaken in conflict/post-conflict settings in 12 countries. Six intervention types were reported: i) personnel; ii) community mobilisation; iii) social norms; iv) economic empowerment; v) empowerment; and vi) survivor responses, with the most common being economic empowerment (n = 7) and gendered social norms interventions (n = 6). Combined interventions were reported in nine papers. Four studies identified non-significant reductions in incidence of sexual/ intimate partner violence, showing an evident positive trend; all four evaluated gendered social norms or economic empowerment singly or in combination. Evidence for improved mental health outcomes was found for some economic empowerment, social norms and survivor interventions. Some evidence of reduced risk of sexual violence and intimate partner violence was identified for all intervention types. Qualitative studies suggest that experiences of social connection are important for women who participate in programming to address sexual and intimate partner violence. Interventions with multiple strategies appear to hold merit. Achieving and demonstrating reduced sexual and intimate partner violence remains challenging in this context. Future research should continue to explore how social norms interventions can be most effectively delivered, including the impact of including mixed and same sex groups. Work is needed with local partners to ensure programs are contextually adapted.
PubMed: 34819111
DOI: 10.1186/s13031-021-00417-x -
Sexual Medicine Dec 2021Intimate partner violence (IPV) among men who have sex with men (MSM) has become a serious and widespread public health issue, which might result in low quality of life... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Intimate partner violence (IPV) among men who have sex with men (MSM) has become a serious and widespread public health issue, which might result in low quality of life and increase the global burden of diseases.
AIM
To quantitatively estimate the pooled prevalence of IPV and its specific forms (physical violence, sexual violence and emotional violence) among MSM.
METHODS
Databases of PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CNKI, WANFANG Data, and Weipu (CQVIP) Data were searched for identified studies published between January 1990 and August 2020. Random effect meta-analyses were used to synthesize the pooled prevalence and 95% CIs of IPV.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The pooled prevalence of IPV in victimization and in perpetration among MSM.
RESULTS
A total of 52 studies with 32,048 participants were included for final analysis. The pooled prevalence of IPV was 33% (6,342 of 19,873; 95%CI, 28-39%) in victimization and 29% (1,491 of 5,983; 95%CI, 17 -40%) in perpetration across all recall periods among MSM population. Furthermore, the pooled prevalence of physical violence was 17% (3,979 of 22,928; 95%CI, 14 -20%) and 12% (942 of 9,236; 95%CI, 10 -15%), of sexual violence was 9% (1,527 of 19,511; 95%CI, 8 -11%) and 4% (324 of 8,044; 95%CI, 3 -5%), of emotional violence was 33% (5,147 of 17,994; 95%CI, 25 -40%) and 41% (1,317 of 3,811; 95%CI, 17 -65%) in victimization and perpetration, respectively. Out of all the IPV identified, emotional violence was estimated at the highest level.
CONCLUSION
This study demonstrated a high prevalence of IPV both in victimization and perpetration among MSM, and emotional violence was estimated at the highest level out of all IPV forms. Efforts are needed to develop corresponding prevention programs for victims with an intent to increase the accessible availability of health services, and ultimately improve their life quality. Liu M., Cai X., Hao G. et al., Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Sex Med 2021;9:100433.
PubMed: 34571326
DOI: 10.1016/j.esxm.2021.100433