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Sarnquist C, Friedberg R, Rosenman ETR, Amuyunzu-Nyamongo M, Nyairo G, Baiocchi M. Sexual Assault Among Young Adolescents in Informal Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya: Findings from the IMPower and SOS Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2024; 25:578-589. [PMID: 37966676 PMCID: PMC11111490 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-023-01595-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Sexual assault is a global threat to adolescent health, but empowerment self-defense (ESD) interventions have shown promise for prevention. This study evaluated the joint implementation of a girls' ESD program and a concurrent boys' program, implemented via a cluster-randomized controlled trial in informal settlements of Nairobi, Kenya, from January 2016 to October 2018. Schools were randomized to the 12-h intervention or 2-h standard of care. Students were randomly sampled to complete surveys at baseline and again at 24 months post-intervention. A total of 3263 girls, ages 10-14, who completed both baseline and follow-up surveys were analyzed; weights were adjusted for dropout. At follow-up, 5.9% (n = 194/3263) of girls reported having been raped in the prior 12 months. Odds of reporting rape were not significantly different in the intervention versus SOC group (OR: 1.21; 95% CI (0.40, 5.21), p = 0.63). Secondary outcomes, social self-efficacy (OR: 1.08; 95% CI (0.95, 1.22), p = 0.22), emotional self-efficacy (OR 1.07; 95% CI (0.89, 1.29), p = 0.49), and academic self-efficacy (OR: 0.90; 95% CI (0.82, 1.00), p = 0.06) were not significantly different. Exploratory analyses of boys' victimization and perpetration are reported. This study improved on previous ESD studies in this setting with longitudinal follow-up of individuals and independent data collection. This study did not show an effect of the intervention on self-reported rape; findings should be interpreted cautiously due to limitations. Sexual assault rates are high in this young population, underscoring a dire need to implement and rigorously test sexual assault prevention interventions in this setting. The trial was registered with Clinical Trials.gov # NCT02771132. Version 3.1 registered on May 2017, first participant enrolled January 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clea Sarnquist
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA, 94305-5208, USA
| | - Rina Friedberg
- LinkedIn Data Science and Applied Research, 1000 West Maude Ave, Sunnyvale, CA, 94085, USA
| | - Evan T R Rosenman
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Claremont McKenna College, 850 Columbia Avenue, Claremont, CA, 91711, USA.
| | - Mary Amuyunzu-Nyamongo
- Africa Institute for Health and Development, 7th Floor Suite B, Wood Avenue/Kindaruma Road Junction, Box 45259, Nairobi, Kenya, USA
| | | | - Michael Baiocchi
- LinkedIn Data Science and Applied Research, 1000 West Maude Ave, Sunnyvale, CA, 94085, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, 150 Governor's Lane, Stanford, CA, 94305-5405, USA
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Follo G. The Importance of Reflexivity in Program Development: A Case Study Involving Teaching Self-Defense to Middle School Girls in PE Class. Violence Against Women 2024; 30:275-296. [PMID: 37801607 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231205590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
This research used a self-defense program to explore how middle school girls could change their perspectives on the gendered roles of victim and protector within an empowered self-defense approach. Taking the dual role of researcher and self-defense instructor, I developed a program to influence changing information strips directed toward gender norms, behavior, and discourse. Reflexive thematic analysis was utilized due to its intersection of the researcher's experience, literature, and theory. The research consisted of 40 girls journaling and 23 girls completing a post-program survey. Findings suggested that reflexive body techniques through self-defense could potentially impact internalized gendered information strips.
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Villardón-Gallego L, García-Cid A, Estévez A, García-Carrión R. Early Educational Interventions to Prevent Gender-Based Violence: A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11010142. [PMID: 36611602 PMCID: PMC9819047 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11010142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gender-based violence is a worldwide public health problem that is increasingly occurring at younger ages. This investigation aims to analyze effective interventions to prevent and to face gender-based violence beginning in early childhood in order to ensure quality education for all children through violence-free schools. METHODS This research has conducted a systematic review of interventions that have demonstrated a positive impact on the prevention and reduction of gender-based violence from early ages up to 12 years, inclusive, in schools. An extensive search in scientific databases (WoS, SCOPUS, ERIC, PsycINFO) was conducted from 2007 to 2022. RESULTS Thirteen articles were selected and analyzed in-depth to identify the success factors of these interventions, which (a) are integrated into the school curriculum; (b) promote active participation of students and community; (c) are based on scientific evidence; and (d) make relevant adaptations to a specific group and context. CONCLUSIONS The programs analyzed have had a positive impact on raising awareness of gender violence, overcoming stereotypes, improving relationships in the classroom and reducing violent behavior, as well as empowering the most vulnerable people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alba García-Cid
- Department of Education, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-944-13-90-00 (ext. 2435)
| | - Ana Estévez
- Department of Psychology, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Rocío García-Carrión
- Department of Education, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Plaza Euskadi 5, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
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Friedberg R, Baiocchi M, Rosenman E, Amuyunzu-Nyamongo M, Nyairo G, Sarnquist C. Mental health and gender-based violence: An exploration of depression, PTSD, and anxiety among adolescents in Kenyan informal settlements participating in an empowerment intervention. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0281800. [PMID: 36989329 PMCID: PMC10057741 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0281800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examines the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among adolescents attending schools in several informal settlements of Nairobi, Kenya. Primary aims were estimating prevalence of these mental health conditions, understanding their relationship to gender-based violence (GBV), and assessing changes in response to an empowerment intervention. METHODS Mental health measures were added to the final data collection point of a two-year randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating an empowerment self-defense intervention. Statistical models evaluated how past sexual violence, access to money to pay for a needed hospital visit, alcohol use, and self-efficacy affect both mental health outcomes as well as how the intervention affected female students' mental health. FINDINGS Population prevalence of mental health conditions for combined male and female adolescents was estimated as: PTSD 12.2% (95% confidence interval 10.5-15.4), depression 9.2% (95% confidence interval 6.6-10.1) and anxiety 17.6% (95% confidence interval 11.2% - 18.7%). Female students who reported rape before and during the study-period reported significantly higher incidence of all mental health outcomes than the study population. No significant differences in outcomes were found between female students in the intervention and standard-of-care (SOC) groups. Prior rape and low ability to pay for a needed hospital visit were associated with higher prevalence of mental health conditions. The female students whose log-PTSD scores were most lowered by the intervention (effects between -0.23 and -0.07) were characterized by high ability to pay for a hospital visit, low agreement with gender normative statements, larger homes, and lower academic self-efficacy. CONCLUSION These data illustrate a need for research and interventions related to (1) mental health conditions among the young urban poor in low-income settings, and (2) sexual violence as a driver of poor mental health, leading to a myriad of negative long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina Friedberg
- LinkedIn, Data Science and Applied Research (all work completed while at Department of Statistics, Stanford University), Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Michael Baiocchi
- Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford, CA, United States of America
- Department of Statistics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States of America
| | - Evan Rosenman
- Harvard Data Science Initiative, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | | | - Gavin Nyairo
- African Institute for Health and Development, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Clea Sarnquist
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States of America
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Mphamba D, Solomon FR, Nyairo G, Kim CJ, Krishnamoorthi M, Edem B, Amuyunzu-Nyamongo M, Kang J, Baiocchi M, Sarnquist CC. Youth voices from an informal settlement of Nairobi, Kenya: Engaging adolescent perspectives on violence to inform prevention. Glob Public Health 2022; 17:3686-3699. [PMID: 35579915 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2022.2076895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We examined the experiences of violence and self-reported behavioural and community changes as a result of participation in a sexual assault prevention intervention in an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. We conducted longitudinal qualitative in-depth interviews with 20 adolescent girls and 11 adolescent boys at baseline, 12, and 24 months. Analysis was thematic with two investigators coding and reaching consensus about the themes. Participants' ages ranged from 10 to 13 at baseline; girls' mean age was 11.9, boys' mean age was 11.6. Participants reported experiencing high levels of violence at all stages of the study. Most reported feeling more empowered to protect themselves and others from sexual assault because of the intervention. While participants had mixed responses about change in sexual assault incidence, most perceived an improvement in inter-gender relationships after the intervention. Participants at midline and endline cited acquaintances and friends as potential perpetrators of sexual violence more often than at baseline and were more open to reporting violent incidents. The very young adolescents in this setting perceived that this sexual assault prevention intervention led to improvements in gender relations, adolescent girls' empowerment and, recognition of harmful rape myths.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02771132.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dumisile Mphamba
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Gavin Nyairo
- African Institute for Health and Development, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Candice Jeehae Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Blessing Edem
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Kang
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael Baiocchi
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Clea C Sarnquist
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Schaaf M, Boydell V, Topp SM, Iyer A, Sen G, Askew I. A summative content analysis of how programmes to improve the right to sexual and reproductive health address power. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2022-008438. [PMID: 35443940 PMCID: PMC9021801 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2022-008438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Power shapes all aspects of global health. The concept of power is not only useful in understanding the current situation, but it is also regularly mobilised in programmatic efforts that seek to change power relations. This paper uses summative content analysis to describe how sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programmes in low-income and middle-income countries explicitly and implicitly aim to alter relations of power. METHODS Content analysis is a qualitative approach to analysing textual data; in our analysis, peer-reviewed articles that describe programmes aiming to alter power relations to improve SRH constituted the data. We searched three databases, ultimately including 108 articles. We extracted the articles into a spreadsheet that included basic details about the paper and the programme, including what level of the social ecological model programme activities addressed. RESULTS The programmes reviewed reflect a diversity of priorities and approaches to addressing power, though most papers were largely based in a biomedical framework. Most programmes intervened at multiple levels simultaneously; some of these were 'structural' programmes that explicitly aimed to shift power relations, others addressed multiple levels using a more typical programme theory that sought to change individual behaviours and proximate drivers. This prevailing focus on proximate behaviours is somewhat mismatched with the broader literature on the power-related drivers of SRH health inequities, which explores the role of embedded norms and structures. CONCLUSION This paper adds value by summarising what the academic public health community has chosen to test and research in terms of power relations and SRH, and by raising questions about how this corresponds to the significant task of effecting change in power relations to improve the right to SRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Schaaf
- Independent Consultant, Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Victoria Boydell
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Essex Faculty of Science and Health, Colchester, UK
| | - Stephanie M Topp
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Aditi Iyer
- Ramalingaswami Centre on Equity and Social Determinants of Health, Public Health Foundation of India, Bangalore, India
| | - Gita Sen
- Ramalingaswami Centre on Equity and Social Determinants of Health, Public Health Foundation of India, Bangalore, India
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Prevention of violence against women and girls: A cost-effectiveness study across 6 low- and middle-income countries. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1003827. [PMID: 35324910 PMCID: PMC8946747 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is a human rights violation with social, economic, and health consequences for survivors, perpetrators, and society. Robust evidence on economic, social, and health impact, plus the cost of delivery of VAWG prevention, is critical to making the case for investment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where health sector resources are highly constrained. We report on the costs and health impact of VAWG prevention in 6 countries. METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted a trial-based cost-effectiveness analysis of VAWG prevention interventions using primary data from 5 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in sub-Saharan Africa and 1 in South Asia. We evaluated 2 school-based interventions aimed at adolescents (11 to 14 years old) and 2 workshop-based (small group or one to one) interventions, 1 community-based intervention, and 1 combined small group and community-based programme all aimed at adult men and women (18+ years old). All interventions were delivered between 2015 and 2018 and were compared to a do-nothing scenario, except for one of the school-based interventions (government-mandated programme) and for the combined intervention (access to financial services in small groups). We computed the health burden from VAWG with disability-adjusted life year (DALY). We estimated per capita DALYs averted using statistical models that reflect each trial's design and any baseline imbalances. We report cost-effectiveness as cost per DALY averted and characterise uncertainty in the estimates with probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves (CEACs), which show the probability of cost-effectiveness at different thresholds. We report a subgroup analysis of the small group component of the combined intervention and no other subgroup analysis. We also report an impact inventory to illustrate interventions' socioeconomic impact beyond health. We use a 3% discount rate for investment costs and a 1-year time horizon, assuming no effects post the intervention period. From a health sector perspective, the cost per DALY averted varies between US$222 (2018), for an established gender attitudes and harmful social norms change community-based intervention in Ghana, to US$17,548 (2018) for a livelihoods intervention in South Africa. Taking a societal perspective and including wider economic impact improves the cost-effectiveness of some interventions but reduces others. For example, interventions with positive economic impacts, often those with explicit economic goals, offset implementation costs and achieve more favourable cost-effectiveness ratios. Results are robust to sensitivity analyses. Our DALYs include a subset of the health consequences of VAWG exposure; we assume no mortality impact from any of the health consequences included in the DALYs calculations. In both cases, we may be underestimating overall health impact. We also do not report on participants' health costs. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that investment in established community-based VAWG prevention interventions can improve population health in LMICs, even within highly constrained health budgets. However, several VAWG prevention interventions require further modification to achieve affordability and cost-effectiveness at scale. Broadening the range of social, health, and economic outcomes captured in future cost-effectiveness assessments remains critical to justifying the investment urgently required to prevent VAWG globally.
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Lwamba E, Shisler S, Ridlehoover W, Kupfer M, Tshabalala N, Nduku P, Langer L, Grant S, Sonnenfeld A, Anda D, Eyers J, Snilstveit B. Strengthening women's empowerment and gender equality in fragile contexts towards peaceful and inclusive societies: A systematic review and meta-analysis. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2022; 18:e1214. [PMID: 36913184 PMCID: PMC8904729 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Across the globe, gender disparities still exist with regard to equitable access to resources, participation in decision-making processes, and gender and sexual-based violence. This is particularly true in fragile and conflict-affected settings, where women and girls are affected by both fragility and conflict in unique ways. While women have been acknowledged as key actors in peace processes and post-conflict reconstruction (e.g., through the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda) evidence on the effectiveness of gender-specific and gender-transformative interventions to improve women's empowerment in fragile and conflict-affected states and situations (FCAS) remains understudied. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this review was to synthesize the body of evidence around gender-specific and gender-transformative interventions aimed at improving women's empowerment in fragile and conflict-affected settings with high levels of gender inequality. We also aimed to identify barriers and facilitators that could affect the effectiveness of these interventions and to provide implications for policy, practice and research designs within the field of transitional aid. METHODS We searched for and screened over 100,000 experimental and quasi-experimental studies focused on FCAS at the individual and community levels. We used standard methodological procedures outlined by the Campbell Collaboration for the data collection and analysis, including quantitative and qualitative analyses, and completed the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) methodology to assess the certainty around each body of evidence. RESULTS We identified 104 impact evaluations (75% randomised controlled trials) assessing the effects of 14 different types of interventions in FCAS. About 28% of included studies were assessed as having a high risk of bias (45% among quasi-experimental designs). Interventions supporting women's empowerment and gender equality in FCAS produced positive effects on the outcomes related to the primary focus of the intervention. There are no significant negative effects of any included interventions. However, we observe smaller effects on behavioural outcomes further along the causal chain of empowerment. Qualitative syntheses indicated that gender norms and practices are potential barriers to intervention effectiveness, while working with local powers and institutions can facilitate the uptake and legitimacy of interventions. CONCLUSIONS We observe gaps of rigorous evidence in certain regions (notably MENA and Latin America) and in interventions specifically targeting women as actors of peacebuilding. Gender norms and practices are important elements to consider in programme design and implementation to maximise potential benefits: focusing on empowerment only might not be enough in the absence of targeting the restrictive gender norms and practices that may undermine intervention effectiveness. Lastly, programme designers and implementation should consider explicitly targeting specific empowerment outcomes, promoting social capital and exchange, and tailoring the intervention components to the desired empowerment-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etienne Lwamba
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie)LondonUK
| | - Shannon Shisler
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie)LondonUK
| | | | - Meital Kupfer
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie)LondonUK
| | | | - Promise Nduku
- Africa Centre for EvidenceUniversity of JohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Laurenz Langer
- Africa Centre for EvidenceUniversity of JohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Sean Grant
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie)LondonUK
- Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public HealthIndiana UniversityIndianapolisIndiana
| | - Ada Sonnenfeld
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie)LondonUK
| | - Daniela Anda
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie)LondonUK
| | - John Eyers
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie)LondonUK
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Finch M, Featherston R, Chakraborty S, Bjørndal L, Mildon R, Albers B, Fiennes C, Taylor DJA, Schachtman R, Yang T, Shlonsky A. Interventions that address institutional child maltreatment: An evidence and gap map. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2021; 17:e1139. [PMID: 37133265 PMCID: PMC8356353 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Background Child maltreatment has serious short and long-term negative impacts for those experiencing it. Child maltreatment occurring in institutional settings has recently received substantial attention. However, evidence about the effectiveness of interventions that prevent, disclose, respond to, or treat maltreatment that has occurred in these environments is fragmented and can be difficult to access. This evidence and gap map (EGM) collates this research evidence. It was developed as a resource for stakeholders operating in the child health, welfare and protection sectors, including practitioners, organisational leaders, policy developers and researchers, wanting to access high quality evidence on interventions addressing institutional child maltreatment. Objectives The objectives of this EGM were twofold: (a) To provide a structured and accessible collection of existing evidence from finalised and ongoing overviews of systematic reviews, systematic reviews and effectiveness studies of interventions addressing institutional child maltreatment-for those who work to fund, develop, implement and evaluate interventions aimed at ensuring children's safety in institutional settings; (b) to identify gaps in the available evidence on interventions addressing institutional child maltreatment-thereby helping to inform the research agendas of funders and other organisations. Search Methods A comprehensive search strategy identified relevant studies from published and grey literature, comprising: (1) 10 electronic academic databases; (2) five trial and systematic review registries; (3) nine organisational websites; (4) websites and reference lists of inquiry reports associated with seven international inquiries into child abuse and (4) the lists of included studies within systematic reviews identified by the search strategy. Members of this EGM's Subject Matter Experts group were also invited to forward relevant unpublished studies or grey literature. Selection Criteria The selection criteria were developed to identify finalised and ongoing overviews of reviews, systematic reviews and primary studies that reported on the effectiveness of interventions addressing child maltreatment (including sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect and emotional abuse) within institutional settings. Eligible effectiveness study designs included: randomised controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomised trials, controlled before-and-after studies and quasi-experimental studies. Reviews were eligible if they reported a systematic literature search strategy. Data Collection and Analysis All screening, data extraction, coding and critical appraisals were undertaken by two or more reviewers working independently, with discrepancies resolved via consensus or by a third reviewer. The titles and abstracts of studies identified by the search strategy were screened, and each full text of potentially relevant studies was further assessed for inclusion. Key data were extracted from all included studies and reviews. This included information about: publication details (e.g., year, author, country), inclusion/exclusion criteria (for reviews), study design, institutional setting, target population, type of maltreatment, intervention type and outcomes. Critical appraisal of included systematic reviews was achieved using the AMSTAR 2 tool, and completed RCTs were assessed using the updated Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool. Main Results Number of studies The electronic database search yielded 6318 citations, and a further 2375 records were identified from additional sources. Following deduplication and title/abstract screening, 256 studies remained for full text review. A total of 73 eligible studies (reported across 84 publications) met the inclusion criteria, including: 11 systematic reviews (plus, one update); 62 primary studies (including, three protocols for primary studies). Study characteristics The studies were conducted across 18 countries, however more than half (52%) were undertaken in the United States. Overall, most studies evaluated curriculum-based interventions delivered in educational settings, primarily aimed at the prevention of sexual abuse. Institutional setting: Most studies evaluated interventions in school or early learning environments (n = 8 systematic reviews; n = 58 primary studies). Far fewer studies examined other organisational settings. Out of home care (including foster care, residential care and orphanages), and social service organisations servicing children were minimally represented. No studies were identified where the primary setting was sports clubs, churches/religious organisations, summer/vacation camps, detention centres/juvenile justice settings, or primary/secondary health care facilities. Target population: Most interventions targeted children rather than adults (n = 7 systematic reviews; n = 47 primary studies) from the general population. Fewer studies included populations known to be at an increased risk, or those already exposed to maltreatment. Just over a third of the primary studies conducted an analysis to ascertain differences in the effect of an intervention between the genders. Intervention type: Prevention interventions were the most studied (n = 5 systematic reviews; n = 57 primary studies), with additional studies including prevention approaches alongside other intervention types. Fewer studies evaluated interventions targeting disclosure, institutional responses, or treatment interventions. Type of maltreatment: The vast majority of the studies assessed interventions solely addressing the sexual abuse of children (n = 8 systematic reviews; n = 45 primary studies). The remaining studies addressed other forms of maltreatment, including physical and emotional abuse, or neglect, either in combination or as a sole focus. Outcomes: Primary reported outcomes reflected the bias toward child targeted interventions. Outcome measures captured child wellbeing and knowledge outcomes, including measures of mental health, children's knowledge retention and/or self-protective skills. Measures of maltreatment disclosure or maltreatment occurrence/reoccurrence were less common, and all other outcome categories included in the EGM were minimally or not reported. A third of studies reported on some measure of implementation. Study quality The overall quality of the studies was low to moderate. Most systematic reviews were low-quality (n = 10), with only one high quality review (and update) identified. Most completed RCTs had some concerns relating to the risk of bias (n = 30), and the remainder were considered to be at a high risk of bias (n = 19). Authors' Conclusions This EGM has highlighted a substantial need for more high quality studies that evaluate interventions across a broader range of institutional contexts and maltreatment types. The current evidence base does not represent countries with large populations and the greatest incidence of child maltreatment. Few studies focussed on perpetrators or the organisational environment. Further evidence gaps were identified for interventions relating to disclosure, organisational responses and treatment, and few studies assessed interventions targeting perpetrators' maltreatment behaviours, recidivism or desistence. Future studies should also include measure of programme implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Finch
- National Centre for Implementation ScienceNewcastle UniversityWallsendNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Rebecca Featherston
- Department of Social Work, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine Nursing & Health SciencesMonash UniversityCaulfieldVictoriaAustralia
| | | | - Ludvig Bjørndal
- Centre for Evidence and ImplementationMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Robyn Mildon
- Centre for Evidence and ImplementationMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Bianca Albers
- Centre for Evidence and ImplementationMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | | | | | | | - Taoran Yang
- Department of Social Work, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine Nursing & Health SciencesMonash UniversityCaulfieldVictoriaAustralia
| | - Aron Shlonsky
- Department of Social Work, School of Primary and Allied Health Care, Faculty of Medicine Nursing & Health SciencesMonash UniversityCaulfieldVictoriaAustralia
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Sarnquist C, Kang JL, Amuyunzu-Nyamongo M, Oguda G, Otieno D, Mboya B, Omondi N, Kipkirui D, Baiocchi M. Expression of Concern to: A protocol for a cluster-randomized controlled trial testing an empowerment intervention to prevent sexual assault in upper primary school adolescents in the informal settlements of Nairobi, Kenya. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:224. [PMID: 33504325 PMCID: PMC8133355 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10263-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clea Sarnquist
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | | | | | - Gabriel Oguda
- African Institute for Health and Development, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Dorothy Otieno
- African Institute for Health and Development, Nairobi, Kenya
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