Evaluation in the Real World: Decision Points and Rationales in Creating A Rigorous Study Designed to Convey Ecologically Valid Findings

Efficacy of Psychosocial Interventions for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) face serious health-related, social and economic consequences. Prior meta-analyses indicate efficacy of psychosocial interventions for support of IPV survivors, but their results are affected by methodological limitations. Extensive subgroup analyses on the moderating effects of intervention and study characteristics are lacking. To address these limitations in an up-to-date and comprehensive meta-analytic review, four literature databases (PsycInfo, Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL, March 23, 2022) were searched for randomized-controlled trials examining the efficacy of psychosocial interventions compared to control groups in improving safety-related, mental health, and psychosocial outcomes in IPV survivors. Weighted effects on IPV, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychosocial outcomes were calculated under random-effects assumption. Subgroup analyses were performed to investigate moderating effects of predefined intervention and study characteristics. Study quality was rated. In all, 80 studies were included in qualitative synthesis, and 40 studies in meta-analyses. Psychosocial interventions significantly reduced symptoms of depression (SMD: -0.15 [95% confidence interval, CI [-0.25, -0.04]; p = .006], I2 = 54%) and PTSD (SMD: -0.15 [95% CI [-0.29, -0.01]; p = .04], I2 = 52%), but not IPV reexperience (SMD: -0.02 [95% CI [ -0.09, 0.06]; p = .70], I2 = 21%) compared to control conditions at post. High-intensive and integrative interventions, combining advocacy-based and psychological components, were favorable subgroups. Yielded effects were modest and not maintained long term. The quality of evidence was low and potential harms remain unclear. Future research should adopt higher standards of research conduct and reporting and must account for the complexity and diversity of IPV experiences.

Safety and Academic Outcomes of College Campus-Based Advocacy Services

Intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual assault, and stalking are consequential public health and safety issues with wide reaching impacts on emerging adults, including those on college campuses in the United States. In response to high rates of violence among college student populations, universities are developing campus-based advocacy (CBA) programs, which aim to support survivors of interpersonal violence through supportive connections, resource acquisition, and safety planning. However, little data exists related to their impact on key student-survivor outcomes. Thus, this study aims to understand (a) the approach CBA programs use to address safety and academic concerns of student-survivors, and (b) the initial outcomes of CBA programs on safety and academics among students engaged in CBA services at five universities in one Southwestern state. The project used a longitudinal mixed-methods approach, with data collection activities including qualitative interviews with student survivors (n = 29) and a longitudinal, web-based, quantitative survey with matched analyses of safety and academic outcome measures from 115 student survivors who participated in an initial survey and follow-up survey after 6 months. Findings demonstrate key pathways through which CBA programs support survivors and facilitate positive safety and academic outcomes. These pathways include education, supportive connection, and resource access. Analysis of longitudinal survivor data demonstrate substantial reductions in sexual violence, IPV, stalking, and school sabotage at 6-month follow-up compared to initial survey, as well as significant reductions in academic disengagement for student survivors. The findings of the study powerfully demonstrate the positive impact of CBA programs on survivor and campus outcomes. Furthermore, programs not only enhance individual survivor safety and academic outcomes but also support the overall climate and safety of hosting universities.

Lessons learnt from a community-driven digital social connection pilot program for people living with dementia: A qualitative interview study with key stakeholders

INTRODUCTION

In response to COVID-19 and mandated physical distancing, a new digital social connection program was developed and implemented by the local community in a large regional town in western Victoria, Australia. This pilot program, the Digital Inclusion-Social Connections (DI-SC) program, aimed to support people living with dementia to use a digital device to access social connection activities.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to inform the local community implementing the DI-SC program of key stakeholder experience of DI-SC process and outcomes to support future development and potential translation of digital social connections programs for people living with dementia.

DESIGN

Three semi-structured focus groups and two interviews were conducted with a total of fifteen participants. Data was transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed.

FINDINGS

Three main themes were identified describing factors as influencing the process and outcomes of the DI-SC program: understanding dementia; personal choice and control; and service planning and coordination. Six sub-themes were identified: matching capability; establishing a relationship; creating opportunities for different interactions; ownership of the device, program coordination and defining the volunteer digital mentor role.

CONCLUSION

Key stakeholders perceived the DI-SC program as an acceptable way of supporting people living with dementia to engage in activities they found enjoyable promoting social connection with care partners and others. DI-SC program outcomes were impacted by inappropriate training and a lack of program coordination. The findings of this study may inform future development and implementation of digital social connection programs for vulnerable populations at risk of social isolation.

Domestic violence survivors' housing stability, safety, and well-being over time: Examining the role of domestic violence housing first, social support, and material hardship

Intimate partner violence remains a significant public health issue and survivors often need various forms of support to achieve safety. The increased likelihood of experiencing housing instability and homelessness among survivors has led to an uptake in domestic violence agencies implementing housing-based interventions, such as Domestic Violence Housing First (DVHF), to address survivors' needs. The present study expands on prior research supporting the effectiveness of DVHF to examine situational factors that moderate the outcomes associated with this model among 406 survivors seeking services from domestic violence agencies located in the Pacific Northwestern region of the United States. Using latent profile analysis, participants were grouped into three latent classes: (a) "high abuse/instability," (b) "still affected," and (c) "doing better." Latent transition analysis was used to estimate the probability that participants would transition into a different latent class over time with social support (SS), material hardship, and receipt of DVHF services included as model predictors. Receipt of DVHF predicted improvements in survivors' safety, housing stability, mental health, and well-being, such that receiving DVHF was associated with higher odds of survivors transitioning into the "doing better" class. Social support and material hardship also emerged as significant factors predicting class membership, such that higher levels of social support and financial stability predicted membership in the "doing better" class. Additionally, social support and financial stability appeared to augment receipt of DVHF services, with DVHF being more strongly associated with positive outcomes among participants who also had high levels of social support and lower levels of material hardship. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Locating longitudinal study participants 10 years after last contact: Contemporary approaches to sample retention

AIMS

Despite their advantages, longitudinal studies often face high rates of attrition. This study documents the extensive efforts associated with retaining a longitudinal cohort last contacted 10 years earlier.

METHOD

We examine the processes and outcomes of attempts to reach 1736 individuals who have been part of a multiwave study about growing up in Ontario, Canada. Contact methods include email, phone, text, social media, postal mail, announcements in newspapers, subway stations, and music streaming services.

RESULTS

Challenges included a lack of consistent annual communication with participants, children moving out of the parental home, and changes in email addresses and phone numbers. The most effective contact method was phone; text messages and friend referrals were the least effective. Overall, 41.5% of the original sample was reached. Locating former research participants years later necessitated multiple and repeated contact attempts, and intensive human resources.

CONCLUSION

Ten lessons for effective sample retention are discussed. In summary, reducing attrition depends on a comprehensive study design and an organized and flexible protocol that adapts to a study's ever-changing needs.

Impact of the Domestic Violence Housing First Model on Survivors' Safety and Housing Stability: 12-Month Findings

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread and devastating phenomenon resulting in a myriad of long-term consequences for survivors and their children. IPV victimization not only has negative health and economic consequences, it has also been linked to homelessness and housing instability. In response, the Domestic Violence Housing First (DVHF) model is being used in some domestic violence (DV) agencies to help survivors attain safe and stable housing. The model includes using individualized advocacy and/or flexible funding to help survivors meet these goals. Using a longitudinal, quasi-experimental design, the current study involved conducting interviews with survivors and examining agency records to investigate the effectiveness of this model. We hypothesized that survivors who received DVHF would experience less re-abuse and greater housing stability over 12 months compared to those who received services as usual (SAU). The sample included 345 IPV survivors who had been homeless or unstably housed when they approached one of five DV programs for help. Interviews were spaced 6 months apart (when survivors first sought services as well as 6 months and 12 months later). Longitudinal analyses showed that survivors who received the DVHF model reported greater improvements in housing stability at both the 6-month and 12-month time points compared to those receiving SAU. At the 12-month time point, survivors who had received DVHF reported decreased physical, psychological, and economic abuse, as well as the use of their children against them as a form of abuse. This study adds to a growing body of evidence supporting this model's effectiveness and adds to our understanding of factors impacting the long-term housing stability and safety for IPV survivors.

From Philosophy to Practice: Designing a Multi-Method, Multi-Stage Program Evaluation of the Wisconsin Domestic Violence Housing First Pilot Program

Safe and secure housing is a pressing concern for survivors of domestic violence (DV). Domestic Violence Housing First (DVHF) is a policy that serves DV survivors' needs by removing barriers to housing stability via flexible financial assistance, mobile advocacy, trauma-informed practice, and partnerships with community housing providers. In this paper, we outline a study protocol developed to evaluate the efficacy of the Wisconsin Domestic Violence Housing First Pilot Program (WI-DVHF). Funding was provided to 9 social service programs across the state and implemented in novel ways. We develop a multi-site, multi-level, longitudinal analysis of WI-DVHF at the individual, site, and community levels. WI-DVHF includes 4 elements differentiating it from previous studies, including analysis of DVHF in rural and urban locations, unique implementation across different sites, and access to a WI rental education program. We also include data from comparable non-WI-DVHF sites and clients served during the study period. This will address concerns about comparing survivors within a site as DVHF funding may free up funds that can benefit other survivors at that site and to better understand the general challenges and trends these organizations face during the study period. The US housing crisis emphasizes the importance of identifying unique and flexible ways to meet the housing needs of DV survivors. This study highlights the potential for DVHF to improve the lives of survivors, and its adaptability to previously understudied cultural groups and across the rural-urban divide. Further, WI-DVHF funds may positively benefit other programs and participants within a site by freeing up valuable space in DV shelters and other resources.