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Martins N, Soares D, Gusmao C, Nunes M, Abrantes L, Valadares D, Marcal S, Mali M, Alves L, Martins J, da Silva V, Ward PR, Fauk NK. A qualitative exploration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on gender-based violence against women living with HIV or tuberculosis in Timor Leste. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306106. [PMID: 39133682 PMCID: PMC11318865 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Violence against women or gender-based violence (GBV) is a significant public health issue facing women and girls in different settings. It is reported to have worsened globally during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on increased violence against women in general, which has been reported in many settings globally, there is a paucity of evidence of its impact on violence against highly vulnerable women living with HIV or tuberculosis (TB). Using a qualitative design, this study aimed to explore the views and experiences of women living with HIV (n = 19) or TB (n = 23) in Timor Leste regarding the GBV they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. They were recruited using the snowballing sampling technique. Data were collected using one-on-one, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The five steps of qualitative data analysis suggested in Ritchie and Spencer's analysis framework were employed to guide the analysis of the findings. Findings indicated that women in this study experienced intensified physical, verbal, sexual and psychological violence by their partners, spouses, in-laws, and parents or other family members during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several prominent risk factors that worsened violence against women during the pandemic were (i) HIV or TB-positive status, (ii) traditional gender roles or responsibilities and expectations, (iii) economic and financial difficulties reflected in the loss of jobs and incomes due to the pandemic, and (iv) individual factors such as jealousy and increased alcohol drinking developed during the lockdowns. The women's experience of GBV during the pandemic also led to various negative psychological impacts. The findings underscore the urgent need for multifaceted interventions to address GBV, which should encompass challenging traditional gender norms, addressing economic inequalities, and targeting individual-level risk factors. The findings also indicate the need for the development of robust monitoring and evaluation systems to assess the effectiveness of policies and interventions addressing GBV where the results can inform future improvement. The findings also indicate the need to include GBV in the protocol or guidelines for HIV and TB management. Future large-scale quantitative studies to capture the magnitude and specific drivers of GBV against women living with HIV and TB during the pandemic are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson Martins
- Daslo Research and Development, Timor Leste
- Universidade da Paz (UNPAZ), Timor Leste
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Domingos Soares
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Publica Timor-Leste (INSP-TL), Ministry of Health Timor-Leste
- Instituto Superior Cristal, Timor Leste
| | - Caetano Gusmao
- Instituto Nacional de Saúde Publica Timor-Leste (INSP-TL), Ministry of Health Timor-Leste
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Luis Alves
- Daslo Research and Development, Timor Leste
| | | | - Valente da Silva
- Daslo Research and Development, Timor Leste
- Universidade da Paz (UNPAZ), Timor Leste
| | - Paul Russell Ward
- Centre for Public Health, Equity and Human Flourishing, Torrens University Australia, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Nelsensius Klau Fauk
- Centre for Public Health, Equity and Human Flourishing, Torrens University Australia, Melbourne, Australia
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Sheridan-Johnson J, Mumford E, Maitra P, Rothman EF. Perceived Impact of COVID-19 on Cyberabuse, Sexual Aggression, and Intimate Partner Violence Among U.S. Young Adults. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024; 39:3483-3507. [PMID: 38379202 DOI: 10.1177/08862605241233264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Quarantine guidelines that arose with the COVID-19 pandemic limited opportunities for social interaction, raising concerns about increases in intimate partner violence and cyberabuse while simultaneously restricting access to help. The current study assessed increases in cyberabuse, sexual aggression, and intimate partner violence victimization and perpetration during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic in a U.S. nationally representative sample of young adults ages 18 to 35, recruited from a probability-based household panel. Data were collected between November 2020 and May 2021. Descriptive analyses were conducted to assess the prevalence of any self-reported increase in cyberabuse, sexual aggression, or intimate partner victimization or perpetration during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression models were run for each outcome measuring any increase compared to no increase. Approximately one in ten U.S. young adults ages 18 to 35 reported experiencing an increase in cyberabuse victimization (12.6%) and cyberabuse perpetration (8.9%) during the pandemic. Similar proportions were observed for increased sexual aggression victimization (11.8%) and perpetration (9.0%). More than one in five respondents (21.4%) reported that their intimate partner was more physically, sexually, or emotionally aggressive toward them during the pandemic. Conversely, 16.2% of respondents reported that they were more physically, sexually, or emotionally aggressive themselves toward an intimate partner, compared to their behavior before the onset of the pandemic. Having an intimate partner and staying at home more than usual during the pandemic were protective factors for both cyberabuse and sexual aggression victimization. Respondent age, education, and race and ethnicity were not associated with increased victimization or perpetration of cyberabuse or sexual aggression. However, women reported lower odds of increased sexual aggression perpetration than men. These findings improve understanding of changes to interpersonal abuse and associated risk factors during a period of social disruption.
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Theodore DA, Heck CJ, Huang S, Huang Y, Autry A, Sovic B, Yang C, Anderson-Burnett SA, Ray C, Austin E, Rotbert J, Zucker J, Catallozzi M, Castor D, Sobieszczyk ME. Correlates of verbal and physical violence experienced and perpetrated among cisgender college women: serial cross-sections during one year of the COVID-19 pandemic. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2024; 6:1366262. [PMID: 39119145 PMCID: PMC11306199 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2024.1366262] [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: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Violence against women is a prevalent, preventable public health crisis. COVID-19 stressors and pandemic countermeasures may have exacerbated violence against women. Cisgender college women are particularly vulnerable to violence. Thus, we examined the prevalence and correlates of verbal/physical violence experienced and perpetrated among cisgender women enrolled at a New York City college over one year during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods From a prospective cohort study, we analyzed data self-reported quarterly (T1, T2, T3, T4) between December 2020 and December 2021. Using generalized estimated equations (GEE) and logistic regression, we identified correlates of experienced and perpetrated violence among respondents who were partnered or cohabitating longitudinally and at each quarter, respectively. Multivariable models included all variables with unadjusted parameters X 2 p-value ≤0.05. Results The prevalence of experienced violence was 52% (T1: N = 513), 30% (T2: N = 305), 33% (T3: N = 238), and 17% (T4: N = 180); prevalence of perpetrated violence was 38%, 17%, 21%, and 9%. Baseline correlates of experienced violence averaged over time (GEE) included race, living situation, loneliness, and condom use; correlates of perpetrated violence were school year, living situation, and perceived social support. Quarter-specific associations corroborated population averages: living with family members and low social support were associated with experienced violence at all timepoints except T4. Low social support was associated with higher odds of perpetrated violence at T1/T3. Other/Multiracial identity was associated with higher odds of violence experience at T3. Conclusions Living situation was associated with experienced and perpetrated violence in all analyses, necessitating further exploration of household conditions, family dynamics, and interpersonal factors. The protective association of social support with experienced and perpetrated violence also warrants investigation into forms of social engagement and cohesion. Racial differences in violence also require examination. Our findings can inform university policy development on violence and future violence research. Within or beyond epidemic conditions, universities should assess and strengthen violence prevention and support systems for young women by developing programming to promote social cohesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah A. Theodore
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Craig J. Heck
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Simian Huang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yuije Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - April Autry
- Barnard College, Health & Wellness, Barnard College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Brit Sovic
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Cynthia Yang
- Barnard College, Health & Wellness, Barnard College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sarah Ann Anderson-Burnett
- Barnard College, Health & Wellness, Barnard College, New York, NY, United States
- Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Caroline Ray
- Barnard College, Health & Wellness, Barnard College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Eloise Austin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Joshua Rotbert
- Barnard College, Health & Wellness, Barnard College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jason Zucker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marina Catallozzi
- Barnard College, Health & Wellness, Barnard College, New York, NY, United States
- Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Heilbrunn Department of Population & Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Delivette Castor
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Magdalena E. Sobieszczyk
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
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Owens J, Aboul-Enein BH, Bernstein J, Dodge E, J. Kelly P. Reducing Violence Against Women and Girls in the Arab League: A Systematic Review of Preventive Interventions. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:2219-2233. [PMID: 37970794 PMCID: PMC11155227 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231207902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
The UN's Sustainable Development Goal #5 (Gender Equity) includes violence against women and girls (VAWG), considering it as a violation of the rights of women and girls. The variety of risk factors for VAWG in Arab countries suggests the need to identify effective interventions to guide practitioners and policy makers. A systematic review of preventive interventions across the Arab League examined the outcomes of VAWG. Authors registered the study on the prospective register of systematic reviews database. Authors conducted the search for evidence up to 2023. Database searching identified 1,502 studies and after application of the eligibility criteria, 17 studies remained for inclusion. Quality appraisal used the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Evidence emerged from eight Arab countries. Interventions occurred at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of prevention. However, only two studies employed interventions using more than one level of prevention, which considered systems strengthening and the development of community solidarity networks. The evidence revealed a lack of clear evaluation and evidence for the effectiveness of interventions and prevention alongside reactive approaches, with no evidence as to how systems may reduce or prevent VAWG. One main issue is patriarchal dominance in Arab countries creating the lack of a collective female voice in any of the evidence. However, Arab countries can change with support. Achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goal #5 by 2030 means interventions and programs need to include more than one prevention level, consider systems and include the collective female voice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Owens
- University of Manchester, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, UK
| | - Basil H. Aboul-Enein
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, UK
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Ke GN, Gow A, Wong RMM, Raman S, Mohammad Z, De-Lima N, Khairudin R, Lau WY, Kamal KA, Lee SC, Grajfoner D. Perceptions of risk and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic among women and older adults. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301009. [PMID: 38630742 PMCID: PMC11023439 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The world's health, economic, and social systems have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. With lockdown measures being a common response strategy in most countries, many individuals were faced with financial and mental health challenges. The current study explored the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the psychological well-being, perception of risk factors and coping strategies of two vulnerable groups in Malaysia, namely women and older adults from low-income households (USD592). A purposive sample of 30 women and 30 older adults was interviewed via telephone during Malaysia's Movement Control Order (MCO) regarding the challenges they faced throughout the pandemic. Thematic analysis was subsequently conducted to identify key themes. The themes identified from the thematic analysis indicated a degree of overlap between both groups. For women, seven themes emerged: 1) Psychological challenges due to COVID-19 pandemic, 2) Family violence, 3) Finance and employment related stress and anxiety, 4) Women's inequality and prejudice, 5) Coping strategies, 6) Professional support, and 7) Women's empowerment. Similarly, there were six themes for the older adults: 1) Adverse emotional experiences from COVID-19, 2) Threats to health security, 3) Loss of social connections, 4) Government aid to improve older adults' psychological well-being, 5) Psychological support from family members and pets, and 6) Self-reliance, religion, and spirituality. The findings provide valuable information on the specific burdens faced by these groups, and support psychological interventions and mitigations that would be appropriate to improve well-being during the recovery phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guek Nee Ke
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Putrajaya, Malaysia
- Centre for Applied Behavioural Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Alan Gow
- Centre for Applied Behavioural Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Putrajaya, Malaysia
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Mei Ming Wong
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Shahirah Raman
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Zulaikha Mohammad
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | - Nicole De-Lima
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Putrajaya, Malaysia
| | | | - Wee Yeap Lau
- Faculty of Economics and Administration, Department of Applied Statistics, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Shen Chiang Lee
- Malaysian Institute of Economic Research (MIER), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Dasha Grajfoner
- Centre for Applied Behavioural Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Putrajaya, Malaysia
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- DOBA Business School, Maribor, Slovenia
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Schucan Bird K, Stokes N, Rivas C, Tomlinson M, Delve M, Gordon L, Gregory A, Lawrence K, O’Reilly N. Training Informal Supporters to Improve Responses to Victim-Survivors of Domestic Violence and Abuse: A Systematic Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:1568-1584. [PMID: 37649408 PMCID: PMC10913311 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231189191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Informal supporters (friends, family, colleagues, and community members) play a crucial role in societal-wide responses to victim-survivors of domestic violence and abuse. Familial and social networks, however, report a sense of helplessness and difficulties in knowing how to respond. This mixed method systematic review examines the effectiveness, and perceived effectiveness, of training informal supporters to improve their responses to victim-survivors. A novel conceptual framework was developed to underpin the review. A systematic search of four electronic databases, specialist repositories, and websites were used to identify empirical research (in academic or gray literature). Eleven included studies examined educational interventions that aimed to improve responses from informal supporters. Quality appraisal was undertaken, and studies were judged to be "good enough" for synthesis. The studies in the review indicated that informal supporters recognized the value of training for building understanding and equipping them with the skills to respond to victim-survivors. The synthesis identified statistically significant improvements in the knowledge and attitudes of informal supporters in the immediate and short-term following training. Using a behavior change model to frame the evidence, the review found that training/educational activities prime informal supporters to respond to victim-survivors, as well as enhancing their capacity and motivation to do so. This increases the likelihood that informal supporters will take action to support victim-survivors of abuse. We don't know, however, what type of support they will provide and/or whether it would be judged to be helpful by victim-survivors.
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Mahdavifar N, Kalan Farmanfarma K, Hiteh M, Mohammadian M, Abbasian A, Vafi Sani F, Khosrorad R, Salehiniya H. COVID-19 pandemic and the prevalence of domestic violence against Iranian married women. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2024; 44:51-59. [PMID: 37731301 PMCID: PMC10932794 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12375] [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] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Domestic violence is an important public health and human rights problem. In most countries of the world, including Iran, the COVID-19 pandemic made quarantine necessary to reduce the disease transmission rate. Therefore, due to the spread of the COVID-19 disease and the emergence of mandatory quarantine conditions, the present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of domestic violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, which was done in 2020, 240 married women were investigated. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, data collection was performed through virtual networks using standard questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics (relative frequencies, mean, and standard deviation) were used to determine the extent of violence. Independent t-test and Chi-square were used to analyze the data of the relation between the types of violence with independent variables. Also, the data were analyzed using the logistic regression model. RESULTS In this study, 240 married women with a mean age of 36.27 were studied. The highest frequency was related to social violence (56.3%), and the lowest was related to financial and verbal violence (11.7%). In addition, a significant relationship was observed between sexual violence and age (p-value < 0.05). A significant relationship was also observed between social violence and education [(OR = 1.99)] Jobs [(OR = 2.4, CI = 95%, 1.30-4.4), quarantine duration [(OR = 1.94, CI = 95%, 0.98-3.7)] and underlying diseases [OR = 1.90]. CONCLUSION The high prevalence of domestic violence against women during quarantine indicates the poor health of women in society. Therefore, the roots of violence against women and methods to reduce this problem should be sought. Therefore, identification of subjects at risk and raising women's knowledge may be useful for the prevention of domestic violence and its physical and psychological complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Mahdavifar
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, NonCommunicable Diseases Research CenterSabzevar University of Medical SciencesSabzevarIran
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public HealthTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | | | - Masoud Hiteh
- Sabzevar University of Medical SciencesSabzevarIran
| | - Maryam Mohammadian
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health and SafetyShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Ali Abbasian
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public HealthIran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Fatemeh Vafi Sani
- Department of Operating Room, School of Allied Medical SciencesSabzevar University of Medical SciencesSabzevarIran
| | - Razieh Khosrorad
- Department of Health Education, School of HealthSabzevar University of Medical SciencesSabzevarIran
| | - Hamid Salehiniya
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research CenterBirjand University of Medical SciencesBirjandIran
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Kim B, Royle M. Domestic Violence in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Synthesis of Systematic Reviews. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:476-493. [PMID: 36847221 PMCID: PMC9974382 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231155530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The current systematic meta-review aimed to map out, characterize, analyze, and synthesize the overarching findings of systematic reviews on domestic violence (DV) in the context of COVID-19. Specifically, a systematic meta-review was conducted with three main objectives: (1) to identify what types and aspects of DV during COVID-19 have been reviewed systematically to date (research trends), (2) to synthesize the findings from recent systematic reviews of the theoretical and empirical literature (main findings), and (3) to discuss what systematic reviewers have proposed about implications for policy and practice as well as for future primary research (implications). We identified, appraised, and synthesized the evidence contained in systematic reviews by means of a so-called systematic meta-review. In all, 15 systematic reviews were found to be eligible for inclusion in the current review. Thematic codes were applied to each finding or implication in accordance with a set of predetermined categories informed by the DV literature. The findings of this review provide clear insight into current knowledge of prevalence, incidence, and contributing factors, which could help to develop evidence-informed DV prevention and intervention strategies during COVID-19 and future extreme events. This systematic meta-review does offer a first comprehensive overview of the research landscape on this subject. It allows scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to recognize initial patterns in DV during COVID-19, identify overlooked areas that need to be investigated and understood further, and adjust research methods that will lead to more robust studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bitna Kim
- Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA
| | - Meghan Royle
- Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA
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Tsegay SM, Tecleberhan S. Violence Against Women: Experiences of Eritrean Refugee Women in Britain. Violence Against Women 2023:10778012231220372. [PMID: 38099701 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231220372] [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: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
There is a dearth of research on violence against women and girls among refugees, particularly in their host countries. Therefore, informed by a feminist theoretical framework and semistructured interviews, this study explores violence against women focusing on Eritrean refugee women's experiences in Britain. The findings suggest that Eritrean refugee women experience various types of violence, which have short- and long-term effects on their lives. Moreover, the data indicate that host and origin countries' socioeconomic and cultural situations shape the experiences of refugee women. The research aims to better understand violence against women among refugees and thus improve refugee women's experiences.
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Campbell S, Dewhurst E, Chaudry A, Edson R, Ghafoor R, Greenhalgh M, Lacy S, Madzunzu T. Gerontology, Art, and Activism: Can the Intersection of Art, Social Research, and Community Power Lead to Lasting Change? THE GERONTOLOGIST 2023; 63:1654-1662. [PMID: 37431992 PMCID: PMC10724043 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad090] [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] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper seeks to address the question of what gerontologists and humanities scholars can learn from how their respective fields engage with critical issues of age-based intersectional disadvantage, inequality, colonialism, and exclusion. The paper considers the Uncertain Futures Project, a participatory arts-led social research study based in Manchester, United Kingdom. The project explores the inequalities of women over 50 regarding issues of work using an intersectional lens. This work has produced a complex entanglement of methodological ideas that underpin performance art, community activism, and gerontological research. The paper will consider if this model can lead to a lasting impact beyond the scope of the project and beyond the individuals involved. First, we outline the work undertaken from the conception of the project. We consider the relationship between these activities and the ongoing nature of qualitative data analysis within the complexity of academic workloads and competing priorities. We raise questions and considerations of how the elements of the work have connected, collaborated, and intertwined. We also explore the challenges within interdisciplinary and collaborative work. Finally, we address the kind of legacy and impact created by work of this nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Campbell
- Department of Social Care and Social Work, Manchester Metropolitan University. Manchester, UK
| | | | - Atiha Chaudry
- Greater Manchester Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic Network, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Rohina Ghafoor
- Manchester Black Minority Ethnic Network, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Suzanne Lacy
- Roski School of Art and Design, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Bhuptani PH, Hunter J, Goodwin C, Millman C, Orchowski LM. Characterizing Intimate Partner Violence in the United States During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:3220-3235. [PMID: 36321779 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221126187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant global health concern. Numerous research studies document increases in IPV since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Despite this widespread recognition, research around the nature of this violence is still growing. This systematic review summarizes the existing literature documenting the prevalence and characteristics of IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inclusion criteria are as follows: reported original data empirical study, assessed for IPV among adult population in the United States, and was published in English between December 2019 and March 2022. A total of 53 articles were then independently reviewed and sorted into four thematic subcategories: victimization, perpetration, articles addressing victimization and perpetration, and provider perspectives. Studies document consistent increases in the prevalence of IPV victimization and perpetration. Providers within agencies providing support to individuals impacted by IPV also documented increased strain on the agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prachi H Bhuptani
- Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, USA
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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Ziaei S, Antu JF, Mamun MA, Parvin K, Naved RT. Factors Associated With Domestic Violence Against Women at Different Stages of Life: Findings From a 19-Year Longitudinal Dataset From the MINIMat Trial in Rural Bangladesh (2001-2020). JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:11768-11789. [PMID: 37489543 PMCID: PMC10515445 DOI: 10.1177/08862605231188062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Despite the abundance of literature, longitudinal studies evaluating the factors associated with domestic violence (DV) at different stages and over longer periods of women's lives are rare. We evaluated factors associated with physical and sexual DV during pregnancy, at 10-year, and 18-year follow-ups after pregnancy and within a 19-year period of life using a cohort of women (n = 1,126) who participated in the Maternal and Infant Nutrition Interventions, Matlab trial in rural Bangladesh. Data on women's experience of DV, social and economic characteristics, empowerment, and family condition were recorded in a similar manner during pregnancy and at 10- and 18-year follow-ups, using standard questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression models and generalized estimating equations were used to evaluate factors associated with women's experience of physical and sexual violence at each discrete time point and over a period of 19 years, respectively. During pregnancy, women were more likely to experience violence if they were members of microcredit programs/non-governmental organizations (NGOs), living in an extended family and had lower wealth status. At the 10- and 18-year follow-ups, higher levels of decision-making and higher wealth status were protective against the experience of violence. At the 18-year follow-up, women with larger age differences from their husbands were less likely to experience violence, while membership in microcredit programs/NGOs was associated with higher odds of experiencing violence among women. Within a period of 19 years, a higher level of education, living in an extended family, higher decision-making level and higher wealth index were protective against the experience of violence, while membership in microcredit programs/NGOs was a risk factor. In conclusion, this study showed that correlates of violence might change at different time points in women's life. Thus, policies and programs should consider the stage of women's lives while planning interventions for addressing violence against women.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mahfuz Al Mamun
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Kausar Parvin
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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de Souza JL, Costa SWDS, Costa FAR, Medeiros AM, DeSouza GN, Seruffo MCDR. A classification model for municipalities in the paraense Amazon regarding the risk of violence against women: A multicriteria approach. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292323. [PMID: 37871047 PMCID: PMC10593212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Violence against women (VAW) is a serious violation of the rights to life, health, and physical integrity. Recent studies point out that social, economic, and demographic factors directly impact the advance of this type of violence. In view of these facts, the state has its responsibility increased when it cannot provide the public equipment necessary for management strategies that collaborate with the confrontation of violence. This project aims to develop a multicriteria decision analysis model (MCDA) to classify Pará municipalities with regard to the propensity for VAW crime, based on the mapping of assistance and protection equipment, as well as socioeconomic indicators of each municipality. The model developed and the research findings represent an important step in elaboration. In turn, this model demonstrates its ability to be a possible instrument that decision makers and implementers of public policies aimed at protecting and supporting women victims of violence in order to anticipate new occurrences.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Lúcio de Souza
- Graduate Program in Electrical Engineering, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pará, Campus Óbidos, Óbidos, PA, Brazil
- Operational Research Laboratory-LPO, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Saulo William da Silva Costa
- Graduate Program in Electrical Engineering, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
- Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of Pará, Campus Óbidos, Óbidos, PA, Brazil
- Operational Research Laboratory-LPO, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Fernando Augusto Ribeiro Costa
- Graduate Program in Sustainable Development of the Humid Tropics, Center for Advanced Amazonian Studies, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
- Operational Research Laboratory-LPO, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Alana Miranda Medeiros
- Graduate Program in Computer Science, Institute of Exact and Natural Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
- Operational Research Laboratory-LPO, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Guilherme N. DeSouza
- Dept. of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), University of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Missouri, EUA
| | - Marcos César da Rocha Seruffo
- Graduate Program in Electrical Engineering, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
- Operational Research Laboratory-LPO, Institute of Technology, Federal University of Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
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Hagenbeck C, Soff J, Mause L, Hoffmann J, Ohnhäuser T, Stöcker A, Zöllkau J, Scholten N. Gynaecologists' perceptions of outpatient gynaecologic and obstetric care in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1079. [PMID: 37817213 PMCID: PMC10566176 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10045-1] [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] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The measures taken to contain the COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on society, affecting medical care as well as the utilization of medical services. We aimed to identify pandemic-related changes in gynaecologic/obstetric care through the personal experience of practitioners in the outpatient sector in Germany. Three consecutive anonymous online surveys of practising gynaecologists were conducted during the pandemic (07-09/2020, 11-12/2020 and 09-11/2021). Appointment management, medical supply and patients' demand as well as concomitant circumstances were queried. Data from 860 (393, 262 and 205 from the first, second and third surveys, respectively) respondents were analysed. At the peak of the first COVID-19 wave, more than 50% of the gynaecologists surveyed had cancelled cancer screening appointments. There was a significant association between fear of self-infection and cancellation of cancer screening appointments (p = 0.006). An increase in domestic violence was reported by 13%, an increase in obesity by 67% and more advanced tumours due to delayed screening by 24% of respondents. Primary gynaecological oncological prevention was reduced in supply and demand during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this shortfall should be addressed in future similar situations. Prenatal care has been offered continuously since the start of the pandemic in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carsten Hagenbeck
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Johannes Soff
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science, University of Cologne, Eupener Str. 129, 50933, Köln, Germany
| | - Laura Mause
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science, University of Cologne, Eupener Str. 129, 50933, Köln, Germany
| | - Jan Hoffmann
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science, University of Cologne, Eupener Str. 129, 50933, Köln, Germany
| | - Tim Ohnhäuser
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science, University of Cologne, Eupener Str. 129, 50933, Köln, Germany
| | - Arno Stöcker
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science, University of Cologne, Eupener Str. 129, 50933, Köln, Germany
| | - Janine Zöllkau
- Department of Obstetrics, University Hospital Jena, Am Klinikum 1, 07747, Jena, Germany
| | - Nadine Scholten
- Faculty of Human Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science, University of Cologne, Eupener Str. 129, 50933, Köln, Germany
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Silva VLMD, Silveira LMBD, Cecchetto FR, Njaine K, Silva AD, Pinto LW. Inter(national) recommendations to face violence against women and girls in COVID-19 pandemic. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2023; 28:1643-1653. [PMID: 37255142 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232023286.14412022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This article is an integral part of the research "Violence in the context of COVID-19: global challenges and vulnerabilities", which proposes a critical reflection on situations of gender-based violence increased by social distancing protocols, required by the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a 2020 literature survey, we have analyzed recommendations made by researchers and institutions from different countries around the world, with the aim of systematizing and disseminating strategies to deal with this scenario. The material is organized into two thematic areas, namely: gender policies and intersectoral actions; and strategies to face violence against women and children in the health and social work field. The recommendations are focused on the development of actions by States/governments, service networks and society in general. Part of the recommendations suggest increasing or adapting existing surveillance actions and part of them contribute with creative proposals, guiding promotional and preventive actions at an individual and collective level. The adoption of teleassistance, media campaigns raising awareness that violence is unjustifiable and the development of reporting strategies through signs and codes have been reiterated in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Lucia Marques da Silva
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1.480, Manguinhos. 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
| | - Liane Maria Braga da Silveira
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1.480, Manguinhos. 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
| | | | - Kathie Njaine
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1.480, Manguinhos. 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
| | - Adriano da Silva
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1.480, Manguinhos. 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
| | - Liana Wernersbach Pinto
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1.480, Manguinhos. 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
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Țieranu ML, Dragoescu NA, Zorilă GL, Istrate-Ofițeru AM, Rămescu C, Berbecaru EIA, Drăguşin RC, Nagy RD, Căpitănescu RG, Iliescu DG. Addressing Chronic Gynecological Diseases in the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59040802. [PMID: 37109760 PMCID: PMC10145652 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59040802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: the COVID-19 pandemic has had a considerable impact on healthcare systems worldwide. Since the actual influence of the pandemic on gynecological care is still unclear, we aim to evaluate the effect of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on gynecological procedures compared to the pre-pandemic period in Romania. Materials and Methods: this is a single-center retrospective observational study, involving patients hospitalized in the year before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (PP), in the first year of the pandemic (P1), and in the second year of the pandemic until February 2022 (P2). The percentages of interventions were analyzed globally but also according to the type of surgery applied on the female genital organs. Results: during pandemic, the number of gynecological surgeries dropped considerably, by more than 50% in some cases, or even decreased by up to 100%, having a major impact on women's health, especially in the first year of the pandemic (P1), before slightly increasing in the post-vaccination period (PV). Surgically treated cancer cases dropped by over 80% during the pandemic, and the consequences of this will be seen in the future. Conclusions: the COVID-19 pandemic played an important part in gynecological care management in the Romanian public health care system, and the effect will have to be investigated in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Loredana Țieranu
- Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 20039 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Alice Dragoescu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - George-Lucian Zorilă
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 200642 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Anca-Maria Istrate-Ofițeru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 200642 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Histology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
- Research Centre for Microscopic Morphology and Immunology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Cătălina Rămescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Elena-Iuliana-Anamaria Berbecaru
- Doctoral School, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 20039 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Roxana Cristina Drăguşin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 200642 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Rodica Daniela Nagy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 200642 Craiova, Romania
| | - Răzvan Grigoraș Căpitănescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 200642 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
| | - Dominic-Gabriel Iliescu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Emergency County Hospital of Craiova, 200642 Craiova, Romania
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania
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Sutton A, Beech H. The impact of stay-at-home orders on safety and stability for women: A topical review of intimate partner violence and intimate femicide in the United States during the initial phase of COVID-19. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2023:1-15. [PMID: 37358986 PMCID: PMC10041482 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-023-00530-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Purpose We intend to identify the links between COVID-19, intimate partner violence (IPV), and intimate femicide (IF) for women in the United States by answering the following questions: (1) what does the existing literature say about the intersection of COVID-19, IPV, and IF and (2) what are the contributing factors leading to rates of violence against women during COVID-19? Method This topical review summarizes studies published on IPV and IF during the initial stages of COVID-19 covering the period of March 1, 2020, to July 31, 2021. This review identified 22 articles addressing rates of IPV and IF during COVID-19, exacerbating risk factors for women, and recommendations for responses and intervention efforts. Results Findings revealed an increase in help-seeking calls during the initial phase of the pandemic and COVID-related circumstances such as extended confinement, unemployment, school closures, social isolation, and financial strains intensifying women's experiences of violence. Data also revealed an increase in purchasing firearms, which increases the risk of women being killed by an intimate partner (Lyons et al., 2020). The nexus of COVID-19 and IPV disproportionately impact women, specifically, Latina immigrants. Implications for utilizing an intersectional framework to further examine these issues and promote social and political change are provided. Conclusion Since the rates of IPV and femicide have been reported as increasing during COVID-19, understanding the complexities and stressors associated with life in a pandemic is essential for addressing inequalities women face and the health of our communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber Sutton
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work, Auburn University at Montgomery, 7400 East Drive, Montgomery, AL US
| | - Haley Beech
- School of Social Work, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL US
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Cornell A, Mitchell A, Puri M, Diamond-Smith N. The COVID-19 Pandemic in the Nawalparasi District of Nepal: a mixed methods assessment of increased alcohol use and violence against women. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:524. [PMID: 36934217 PMCID: PMC10024286 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-14997-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Nepal and across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic has primed an environment for increased rates of violence against women (VAW). This paper explores pandemic-driven economic insecurity and increased alcohol use as instigators of VAW and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) within newly married households in the rural, Nawalparasi region of Nepal. METHODS This study is a secondary analysis of data obtained from the Sumadhur Intervention pilot study that has been previously described and demonstrates successful implementation of group-based, household-level intervention for women's empowerment and sexual and reproductive health education (1). Our three sets of data were collected before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first set is from a Longitudinal Cohort of 200 newly married women who were surveyed twice a year from February 2017 through July 2020. The second data set is a subset cohort of newly married women, their husbands, and their mothers-in-law (31 women, 31 husbands and 31 mothers-in-law) who participated in Sumadhur in January 2021. The third data set was obtained through in-depth interviews in July 2021 from 15 households following Sumadhur. The interviews were thematically coded, and subthemes were identified. A t-test of the January 2021 survey data set was run to look at correlations between income loss, alcohol consumption and experience of IPV among newly married women. All other survey data was analyzed for change over time. RESULTS At three months after the onset of the pandemic (July 2020), the Longitudinal Cohort survey data from newly married women reported increased rates of husbands' alcohol use as well as personal experiences of IPV as compared to pre-pandemic averages. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in the effects of income loss on increased alcohol use and experience of IPV. Qualitative results iterated the common theme of alcohol use and economic insecurity as upstream instigators of VAW in the community. CONCLUSIONS In the Nawalparasi district of Nepal, the pandemic has led to unstable economic situations that have instigated alcohol use among men, and increased rates of IPV among young, newly married women, and reports of VAW in the community. We have demonstrated a need for urgent programmatic and policy responses aimed at reducing VAW and IPV and protecting women during times of uncertainty and crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alia Cornell
- Undergraduate Student, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Ashley Mitchell
- Doctoral Student, Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Mahesh Puri
- Director of Research, Center for Research On Environment Health and Population Activities (CREHPA), Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Nadia Diamond-Smith
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, USA
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Khairkhah F, Nasiri Amiri F, Javanian M, Nikbakht HA, Faramarzi M, Aqatabar Roudbari J, Odhaib SA, Mohammadi Aref K, Habibpour H. Domestic Violence Against Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Relationship to Demographic and Family Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study in Iran. Cureus 2023; 15:e36633. [PMID: 37155453 PMCID: PMC10122864 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.36633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have witnessed increased complaints from third parties about violent conditions through social media. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of domestic violence (DV) against women following exposure to the COVID-19 pandemic and its relevance to some related factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was conducted from July 2020 to May 2021 on married women of Babol, Iran. Eligible women entered into the study in a multi-stage cluster random sampling method. Data collection tools included demographic and family data, questionnaire HITS (Hurt, Insult, Threaten and Scream). Relationships were estimated using the Univariate and multivariate regression models. Results: The mean age of 488 women and their spouses was 34.62 ± 9.14 and 38.74 ± 9.07, respectively. Of the total female participants, 37 (7.6%), 68 (13.9%), and 21 (4.3%) were victims of total violence, verbal abuse, and physical violence, respectively. Ninety-five women (19.5) had a history of coronavirus infection. Women who were satisfied with their income and husbands were university educated, their chances of DV were reduced by 72% (95% CI (0.09-0.85), OR = 0.28) and 67% (95% CI (0.11-0.92), OR = 0.33) respectively. Drug abuse by husbands increased the likelihood of DV by up to 4 times (OR = 4.00), and more contact with their husbands at home due to home quarantine was more than twice as likely to have DV (OR = 2.64). Conclusion: Since the level of domestic violence was lower than before the coronavirus pandemic, it seems that most Iranian women were more under the support of their husbands during the coronavirus pandemic to endure the fear and panic caused by the pandemic. Women whose husbands had a university education and sufficient income had less domestic violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzan Khairkhah
- Psychiatry, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, IRN
| | - Fatemeh Nasiri Amiri
- Reproductive Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, IRN
| | - Mostafa Javanian
- Infectious Disease, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, IRN
| | - Hossein-Ali Nikbakht
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, IRN
| | - Mahbobeh Faramarzi
- Psychology, Fatemeh Zahra Infertility and Reproductive Health Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, IRN
| | | | - Samih A Odhaib
- Diabetes and Endocrinology, Faiha Specialized Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolism Center, Basrah, IRQ
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Sileo KM, Muhumuza C, Helal T, Olfers A, Lule H, Sekamatte S, Kershaw TS, Wanyenze RK, Kiene SM. Exploring the effects of COVID-19 on family planning: results from a qualitative study in rural Uganda following COVID-19 lockdown. Reprod Health 2023; 20:31. [PMID: 36759838 PMCID: PMC9910252 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01566-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has likely affected the already high unmet need for family planning in low- and middle-income countries. This qualitative study used Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Service Use as a theoretical framework to explore the possible ways in which the COVID-19 pandemic, including the impact of a 3-month government mandated lockdown, might affect family planning outcomes in rural Uganda. A secondary aim was to elicit recommendations to improve family planning service delivery in the context of COVID-19. METHODS Between June and October 2020, we conducted four focus group discussions with men and women separately (N = 26) who had an unmet need for family planning, and 15 key-informant interviews with community leaders and family planning stakeholders. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS We identified a significant disruption to the delivery of family planning services due to COVID-19, with potential negative effects on contraceptive use and risk for unintended pregnancy. COVID-19 had a negative effect on individual enabling factors such as family income, affecting service access, and on community enabling factors, such as transportation barriers and the disruption of community-based family planning delivery through village health teams and mobile clinics. Participants felt COVID-19 lockdown restrictions exacerbated existing contextual predisposing factors related to poverty and gender inequity, such as intimate partner violence and power inequities that diminish women's ability to refuse sex with their husband and their autonomy to use contraceptives. Recommendations to improve family planning service delivery in the context of COVID-19 centered on emergency preparedness, strengthening community health systems, and creating new ways to safely deliver contractive methods directly to communities during future COVID-19 lockdowns. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the consequences of COVID-19 lockdown on family planning distribution, as well as the exacerbation of gender inequities that limit women's autonomy in pregnancy prevention measures. To improve family planning service uptake in the context of COVID-19, there is a need to strengthen emergency preparedness and response, utilize community structures for contraceptive delivery, and address the underlying gender inequities that affect care seeking and service utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn M. Sileo
- Department of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA
| | | | - Teddy Helal
- Department of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA
| | - Allison Olfers
- Department of Public Health, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX USA
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Schweinhart A, Aramburú C, Bauer R, Simons-Rudolph A, Atwood K, Luseno WK. Changes in Mental Health, Emotional Distress, and Substance Use Affecting Women Experiencing Violence and Their Service Providers during COVID-19 in a U.S. Southern State. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2896. [PMID: 36833591 PMCID: PMC9957159 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20042896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed many unintended consequences of mandated safety precautions, including increased perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV), increases in substance use, and worsening mental health conditions. We conducted a repeated, cross-sectional survey of survivors of IPV, a longitudinal survey of service providers working in an IPV shelter, and interviews with both. We conducted surveys at the beginning of the pandemic and nearly half a year later to assess mental health and, for clients, substance use. Results showed that two small samples of survivors living in the shelter in 2020 and 2021 experienced both mental health decline and increased use of substances. Qualitative data from in-depth interviews suggest that COVID-19-related restrictions mirrored survivors' experiences of power and control in violent relationships. Further, IPV service providers-essential workers during COVID-19-experienced stress associated with reports of burnout and mental fatigue. This study suggests that community-based organizations can help mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on survivors of IPV but should avoid adding additional work for staff as service providers experienced mental and emotional stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- April Schweinhart
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, 4061 Powder Mill Road, Suite 350, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA
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22
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Bukuluki P, Kisaakye P, Bulenzi-Gulere G, Mulindwa B, Bazira D, Letiyo E, Namirembe HNL, Schmidt I, Kakande PN, Nissling S. Vulnerability to violence against women or girls during COVID-19 in Uganda. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:23. [PMID: 36600216 PMCID: PMC9812747 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14951-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, gender-based violence (GBV) was reported to have increased worldwide. We build on existing literature to examine the factors that increased vulnerability to GBV during the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda. We use data from the Rapid Gender Assessment (RGA) survey that was conducted during COVID-19, which was designed to provide information to guide policymaking and offer appropriate interventions that address the needs of people in Uganda during the pandemic. The results show that the following respondents are more likely to experience increased risk and vulnerability to gender-based violence: those with primary level of education (OR = 1.49; 95% CI = 1.10-2.01), those who received information about GBV (OR = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.08-1.57), and those who needed help or medical support as a prevention measure against GBV (OR = 1.29; 95% CI = 1.04-1.61). However, respondents who would need financial support to prevent GBV were less likely to experience increased GBV (OR = 0.83; 95% CI = 0.70-0.98). Our results align with evidence from other studies that risk and vulnerability to GBV in Uganda increased since the onset of COVID-19. The findings provide an understanding of the interrelationship between GBV and COVID-19,which can help with designing GBV preventive measures, particularly during pandemics among those most at-risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Bukuluki
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Social Work and Social Administration, School of Social Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Peter Kisaakye
- grid.11194.3c0000 0004 0620 0548Department of Population Studies, School of Statistics and Planning, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Dan Bazira
- Gender Statistics, UN Women, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Evelyn Letiyo
- Ending Violence Against Women, UN Women, Kampala, Uganda
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23
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Brown LJ, Lowe H, Gibbs A, Smith C, Mannell J. High-Risk Contexts for Violence Against Women: Using Latent Class Analysis to Understand Structural and Contextual Drivers of Intimate Partner Violence at the National Level. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:NP1007-NP1039. [PMID: 35298318 PMCID: PMC9709538 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221086642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects 1 in 3 women and poses a major human rights threat and public health burden, yet there is great variation in risk globally. Whilst individual risk factors are well-studied, less research has focussed on the structural and contextual drivers of IPV and how these co-occur to create contexts of high risk. Methods: We compiled IPV drivers from freely-accessible global country-level data sources and combined gender inequality, natural disasters, conflict, colonialism, socioeconomic development and inequality, homicide and social discrimination in a latent class analysis, and identified underlying 'risk contexts' based on fit statistics and theoretical plausibility (N=5,732 country-years; 190 countries). We used multinomial regression to compare risk contexts according to: proportion of population with disability, HIV/AIDS, refugee status, and mental health disorders; proportion of men with drug use disorders; men's alcohol consumption; and population median age (N=1,654-5,725 country-years). Finally, we compared prevalence of physical and/or sexual IPV experienced by women in the past 12 months across risk contexts (N=3,175 country-years). Results: Three distinct risk contexts were identified: 1) non-patriarchal egalitarian, low rates of homicide; 2) patriarchal post-colonial, high rates of homicide; 3) patriarchal post-colonial conflict and disaster-affected. Compared to non-patriarchal egalitarian contexts, patriarchal post-colonial contexts had a younger age distribution and a higher prevalence of drug use disorders, but a lower prevalence of mental health disorders and a smaller refugee population. IPV risk was highest in the two patriarchal post-colonial contexts and associated with country income classification. Conclusions: Whilst our findings support the importance of gender norms in shaping women's risk of experiencing IPV, they also point towards an association with a history of colonialism. To effectively address IPV for women in high prevalence contexts, structural interventions and policies are needed that address not only gender norms, but also broader structural inequalities arising from colonialism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Brown
- Institute for Global Health, University
College London, UK
| | - Hattie Lowe
- Institute for Global Health, University
College London, UK
| | - Andrew Gibbs
- Gender and Health Research Unit,
South
African Medical Research Council, South
Africa
- Centre for Rural Health, School of
Nursing and Public Health, University of
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Colette Smith
- Institute for Global Health, University
College London, UK
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24
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ENİÇ D. Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Intergroups Inequalities: The Case of Women. PSIKIYATRIDE GUNCEL YAKLASIMLAR - CURRENT APPROACHES IN PSYCHIATRY 2022. [DOI: 10.18863/pgy.1056432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has crucial implications for intergroup inequalities. The main aims of the current study are to examine how the COVID-19 affects inequalities between women and men, understand the causes of increasing gender-based inequalities during pandemic, and offer practical solutions on how these inequalities can be reduced. The results of studies from different countries demonstrated that gender-based inequalities that existed before the pandemic deepened with the COVID-19. After the COVID-19, there has been a serious rise in the level of physical, psychological and economic violence that women are exposed to, the labor they spend on housework and caring has increased dramatically, and the problems they face in business life ascended. Understanding why gender-based inequalities have increased during the COVID-19 is one of the influential steps to achieve gender equality. When the reasons are examined, it has been determined that many factors, including the policies implemented in the struggle against the pandemic and gender roles, play critical roles in this rise. Finally, in order to diminish gender-based inequalities, short and long-term solutions are presented such as carrying out gender-based awareness education, adequate representations of women in decision-making processes, developing gender-sensitive policies, strengthening the mechanisms that support women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz ENİÇ
- Adana Alparslan Türkeş Bilim ve Teknoloji Üniversitesi
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25
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Fatigue, sleep quality and mental health symptoms in Brazilian women during the COVID-19 pandemic: longitudinal study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20346. [PMID: 36437245 PMCID: PMC9701762 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23612-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
To assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the variables of sleep quality, fatigue, anxiety, and depression in healthy Brazilian women. Longitudinal observational study conducted through an online questionnaire with women in 2020 and 2021. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Fatigue Severity Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used. The data were analyzed descriptively and the comparison between the data obtained in the first and second evaluation was performed using the McNemar test. A logistic regression was applied to test the association between the variables that showed a significant difference. A total of 235 women responded to the questionnaires. There was a significant increase in fatigue between the two moments (p < 0.05). In the first assessment, depression (OR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.14-4.99), anxiety (OR: 2.68; 95% CI: 1.37-5.22) and sleep quality (OR: 4.01; 95% CI: 1.71-9.67) were associated with fatigue. In the second assessment, depression (OR: 2.93; 95% CI: 1.19-7.18) and anxiety (OR: 2.69; 95% CI: 1.27-5.71) were associated with fatigue. There was an impact on biopsychosocial aspects during the COVID-19 pandemic, with worsening of fatigue symptoms within a 6-month interval. In addition, fatigue was associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety, and worse sleep quality in the first year of the pandemic, remaining associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety in the second year of the pandemic in the country.
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Foti TR, Vereen S, Vamos C, Sappenfield W, Kirby RS. "A Lot of Things Stopped with COVID": Screening Pregnant Patients for Opioid Use and Related Conditions During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Womens Health Issues 2022; 33:242-249. [PMID: 36496340 PMCID: PMC9637513 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2022.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We explored the impact of COVID-19 on universal screening programs for opioid use and related conditions among practicing clinicians or staff who work with pregnant patients. METHODS Semi-structured, in-depth qualitative interviews (n = 15) were conducted with practicing clinicians or staff in West-Central Florida between May and October 2020, representing both a range of professions and clinical settings that serve pregnant patients. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and reviewed for accuracy. Independent coders conducted thematic content analysis iteratively in MaxQDA to identify emergent themes. RESULTS Four main themes were identified: worsening health and life conditions of pregnant patients, impaired patient-provider interactions, lack of priority and resources, and conducting opioid screening remotely. Pregnant patients often faced worsening mental health, lack of connection with health care providers, and socioenvironmental factors that increased the risk of overdose and intimate partner violence. Health care providers and facilities faced an infectious disease pandemic that simultaneously increased mental burden and reduced resources. Telehealth improved access to health care for many, but also came with implementation challenges such as inadequate technology, the need to address barriers to developing rapport with patients, and difficulty with certain social screens. CONCLUSION These themes describe facilitators of and barriers to implementing opioid and related screening programs during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the increasing urgency of screening because of socioenvironmental factors. Patients, health care providers, and health practices may benefit from emergency plans that anticipate screening challenges given their increased importance during times of heightened risk, including disasters and epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara R. Foti
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente of Northern California, Oakland, California,University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, Florida,Correspondence to: Tara R. Foti, PhD, MPH, Kaiser Permanente of Northern California, Division of Research, 2000 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612. Tel.: (585) 746-3857
| | - Shanda Vereen
- University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, Florida
| | - Cheryl Vamos
- University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, Florida
| | | | - Russell S. Kirby
- University of South Florida College of Public Health, Tampa, Florida
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Goddard-Eckrich D, Henry BF, Sardana S, Thomas BV, Richer A, Hunt T, Chang M, Johnson K, Gilbert L. Evidence of Help-Seeking Behaviors Among Black Women Under Community Supervision in New York City: A Plea for Culturally Tailored Intimate Partner Violence Interventions. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2022; 3:867-876. [PMID: 36479367 PMCID: PMC9712050 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2022.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Black women involved in the legal system disproportionately experience intimate partner violence (IPV); however, current research does not satisfactorily describe the risk and protective factors associated with IPV among Black women under community supervision. METHODS We conducted a subgroup analysis of Black women (N = 128) using data from a randomized controlled trial that evaluated the feasibility and efficacy of two IPV screening and prevention programs for women under community supervision. Participants in the original study were randomized into two IPV prevention conditions-computerized or case manager Women Initiating New Goals of Safety (WINGS). In this study, we examine the effects of that study's two conditions on linkage to IPV services and secondary outcomes, specifically among Black participants who experienced physical, sexual, and psychological IPV. RESULTS Both conditions showed significant reductions in days of substance use abstinence over the 3-month period among Black women who experienced sexual or verbal IPV. Participants in the case manager arm were 14 times more likely to receive IPV services in the past 90 days-from baseline to the 3-month follow-up (adjusted odds ratio = 14.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.25 to 166.51, p = 0.032). Participants in the computerized arm were significantly more likely to report receiving social support from baseline to the 3-month follow-up assessment (regression coefficient [b] = 2.27, 95% CI = 0.43 to 4.11, p = 0.015). CONCLUSIONS Although both conditions showed significant reductions in the number of days of abstinence from substance use among this subgroup of Black women, the findings showed differential effectiveness between the computerized WINGS arm and the case manager WINGS arm in improving social support and linkage to services. These findings may indicate that different modalities of WINGS may work better for specific activities and point to the need for a hybrid format that optimizes the use of distinct modalities for delivering activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn Goddard-Eckrich
- The Social Intervention Group, Columbia University, School of Social Work, New York, New York, USA
| | - Brandy F. Henry
- Rehabilitation and Human Services, Educational Psychology, Counseling, and Special Education, College of Education, Consortium on Substance Use and Addiction, Social Science Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Srishti Sardana
- Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Brittany V. Thomas
- The Social Intervention Group, Columbia University, School of Social Work, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ariel Richer
- The Social Intervention Group, Columbia University, School of Social Work, New York, New York, USA
| | - Timothy Hunt
- The Social Intervention Group, Columbia University, School of Social Work, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mingway Chang
- The Social Intervention Group, Columbia University, School of Social Work, New York, New York, USA
| | - Karen Johnson
- University of Alabama, School of Social Work, Little Hall Room 2005, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Louisa Gilbert
- The Social Intervention Group, Columbia University, School of Social Work, New York, New York, USA
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Priyadarshini A, Dehingia N, Joshi M, Singh D, Chakraborty S, Raj A. Spousal support and work performance during the COVID-19 pandemic among elected women representatives in rural Bihar, India: A cross-sectional, mixed-methods study. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 53:101743. [PMID: 36439061 PMCID: PMC9676563 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examines family support for professional work and domestic labour among Elected Women Representatives' (EWR) in rural Bihar, India, and associations of this support with EWRs' professional performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional, mixed-method study, surveying 1338 EWRs and conducting in-depth interviews with 31 EWRs (Oct 14- Nov 6, 2020). Purposive sampling was used to select the participants. Our team has been working for more than a decade with EWRs across 10 districts in Bihar, providing them with capacity building and community interventions. All EWRs are part of our network, and around 2000 were reached out for the survey. Of these, 1338 consented to participate. Four survey participants from each district were randomly selected and invited for the in-depth interviews. Independent variables for our quantitative analysis included help from husband and other family members on a) EWR work and b) domestic work. Dependent variables, dichotomised as yes/no, assessed EWR workload, COVID-19 work, intervening on violence against women or child marriage, and belief EWRs can have impact. Separate multivariate logistic regression models assessed the hypothesised relationships. All models were adjusted for socio-demographic variables and indicators related to EWR's work experience and community perception or respect. FINDINGS Most women (76%; n = 1016 EWRs) received help from their husbands with EWR work while 39% reported husband help with domestic labour. Receipt of help from husband with domestic work was associated with increase in official work since the pandemic (aOR: 2.62; 95% CI: 1.84-3.71), arrangement of needed services during COVID-19 (aOR: 2.54; 95% CI:1.65-3.90), and self-belief regarding possibility of EWR impact (aOR: 3.49; 95% CI: 2.25-5.43). Husband's help with EWR work was related to increased odds for intervening to stop violence against women only (aOR: 2.18; 95% CI: 1.32-3.60). In-depth interviews with the selected 31 EWRs underscored an increase in their EWR work under COVID-19. The increase in EWR workload under the pandemic created time constrictions for EWR's domestic labour responsibilities, even as domestic labour responsibilities increased. INTERPRETATION Our study highlights the importance of husband's help and support in strengthening EWRs outcomes at work in India, with help in domestic work being related to a relatively wider range of outcomes that are indicative of EWR's performance, compared to husband's help with EWR work. These findings emphasize the need for building male responsibility for domestic labour, to improve women's professional performance and outcomes. Our study has few key limitations such as lack of causal interpretations due to reliance on cross-sectional research design, potential for social desirability bias in self-reported data, and absence of information related to changes in patterns of spousal and family support received by the EWRs as a result of the pandemic. Nonetheless, our findings are important, particularly for the context of Bihar, India, where appalling gender gaps still persist in all social and economic aspects of society. FUNDING Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: 2017, OPP1179246 and EMERGE COVID-19 (2019, OPP1163682); David & Lucile Packard Foundation: 2017- 66202.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamika Priyadarshini
- Centre for Catalyzing Change, India
- Corresponding author. Centre for Catalyzing Change, 165-B, Pataliputra Colony, Patna, 80013, India.
| | - Nabamallika Dehingia
- Joint Doctoral Program, School of Public Health, San Diego State University, USA
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California San Diego, USA
| | | | | | | | - Anita Raj
- Center on Gender Equity and Health, University of California San Diego, USA
- Education Studies, School of Social Sciences, University of California San Diego, USA
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29
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Letourneau N, Luis MA, Kurbatfinski S, Ferrara HJ, Pohl C, Marabotti F, Hayden KA. COVID-19 and family violence: A rapid review of literature published up to 1 year after the pandemic declaration. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 53:101634. [PMID: 36119559 PMCID: PMC9472575 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background After the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020, public health restrictions were introduced to slow COVID-19 transmission and prevent health systems overload globally. Work-from-home requirements, online schooling, and social isolation measures required adaptations that may have exposed parents and children to family violence, including intimate partner violence and child abuse and neglect, especially in the early days of the pandemic. Thus, we sought to: (1) examine the occurrence of family violence; (2) identify factors associated with family violence; and (3) identify relevant recommendations, from COVID-19 literature published up to 1 year after the pandemic declaration. Methods This review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021241622), employed rapid review methods, and extracted data from eligible papers in medical and health databases published between December 1, 2019 and March 11, 2021 in MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Embase. Findings 28 articles including 29 studies were included in the rapid review. While many studies of families/households revealed rises in family violence incidence, official justice, police, and emergency department records noted declines during the pandemic. Parental stress, burnout, mental distress (i.e. depression), difficulty managing COVID-19 measures, social isolation, and financial and occupational losses were related to increases in family violence. Health services should adopt approaches to prevent family violence, treat victims in the context of public health restrictions, and increase training for digital service usage by health and educational professionals. Interpretation Globally, restrictions aimed to limit the spread of COVID-19 may have increased the risk factors and incidence of family violence in communities. Official records of family violence may be biased toward under-reporting in the context of pandemics and should be interpreted with caution. Funding RESOLVE Alberta, Canada and the Emerging Leaders in the Americas Program (ELAP), Global Affairs Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Letourneau
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute Owerko Centre, University of Alberta, AB, Canada
| | - Mayara Alves Luis
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Espirito Santo, ES, Brazil
| | - Stefan Kurbatfinski
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Cumming School of Medicine University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute Owerko Centre, University of Alberta, AB, Canada
| | - Hannah J. Ferrara
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute Owerko Centre, University of Alberta, AB, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carrie Pohl
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute Owerko Centre, University of Alberta, AB, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Cumming School of Medicine University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Franciele Marabotti
- Graduate Program in Public Health, Federal University of Espirito Santo, ES, Brazil
- Department of Nursing, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - K. Alix Hayden
- Libraries and Cultural Resources, University of Calgary, Canada
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30
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Heward-Belle S, Lovell RC, Jones J, Tucker H, Melander N. Practice in a Time of Uncertainty: Practitioner Reflections on Working With Families Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence During the COVID-19 Global Pandemic. AFFILIA 2022; 37:605-623. [PMID: 36338788 PMCID: PMC9510586 DOI: 10.1177/08861099211055519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports findings of a qualitative study examining the perceptions of 21 Australian women professionals who conduct home visiting with families experiencing intimate partner violence. There is scant evidence documenting how home visiting professionals adapted practice to address the safety concerns of women and their children within the context of the pandemic. Practitioners noted an increase in the risk level and complexity of intimate partner violence (IPV), including the ways that perpetrators weaponized the pandemic to exert power and control over women and children. Practitioners reported on their rapid adaptation of practices, to ensure the continuation of services which included moving to online delivery methods, wearing PPE, and negotiating practice from a distance. While responses to these changes were mixed, most reported their desire to continue to use online platforms post-pandemic, reporting increased safety, flexibility, and accessibility for the majority of clients. This research addresses a gap in respect of professionals' perceptions of the issues facing survivors of IPV and of their professional practice during the COVID-19 pandemic. As policies, practices, and protocols continue to adapt to the challenging environment posed by the pandemic the experiences of professionals and service users are critical to inform these changes.
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31
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Asadi N, Salmani F, Salmani M. The relationship between aggressive behaviors of preschool children and the violence against Iranian women in the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:406. [PMID: 36199132 PMCID: PMC9532810 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01954-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During epidemics, supports are limited and individual and collective vulnerabilities as well as domestic violence are increased. Therefore, various groups in society, especially children and their mothers, are extremely vulnerable. This study aimed to assess the relationship between aggressive behaviors of preschool children and the violence against Iranian women during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS This descriptive-correlational study was conducted in October-November 2020. Stratified random sampling was performed among preschool children in Kerman. Data were collected using the Violence toward Women Inventory and the Aggression scale for preschoolers Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS25, ANOVA, independent t-test, and Pearson correlation test. RESULTS The results showed that the total mean scores of violence against women and preschoolers' aggression were 54.43 ± 10.6 and 88.44 ± 6.5, respectively. The results showed a statistically significant difference in aggressive behaviors of preschool children, mother's job, number of children, mother's education, income, and age. A positive and significant relationship was also found between the subscales of violence against women and aggression in preschool children. CONCLUSIONS The results showed a positive and significant relationship between violence against women and aggression of preschool children. Therefore, it is recommended that parents identify and eliminate the risk factors for domestic violence during the COVID-19 in order to protect their children. Parents also must learn coping strategies for stress and resilience in the epidemic crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Asadi
- grid.412105.30000 0001 2092 9755Nursing Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Salmani
- grid.411757.10000 0004 1755 5416Nursing & Midwifery Sciences Development Research Center, Najafabad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, Iran
| | - Mahin Salmani
- grid.266820.80000 0004 0402 6152Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada
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Schucan Bird KL, Stokes N, Rivas C, Tomlinson M. PROTOCOL: Informal social support interventions for improving outcomes for victim-survivors of domestic violence and abuse: An evidence and gap map. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2022; 18:e1263. [PMID: 36909873 PMCID: PMC9246292 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This is the protocol for a Campbell Evidence Gap Map. The main objectives of the EGM are: establish the nature and extent of the primary empirical evidence on informal social support interventions, identify interventions and clusters of evidence suitable for systematic review/evidence synthesis and identify gaps in the evidence on informal social support interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carol Rivas
- Social Research InstituteUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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Pirkis J, Gunnell D, Shin S, Del Pozo-Banos M, Arya V, Aguilar PA, Appleby L, Arafat SMY, Arensman E, Ayuso-Mateos JL, Balhara YPS, Bantjes J, Baran A, Behera C, Bertolote J, Borges G, Bray M, Brečić P, Caine E, Calati R, Carli V, Castelpietra G, Chan LF, Chang SS, Colchester D, Coss-Guzmán M, Crompton D, Ćurković M, Dandona R, De Jaegere E, De Leo D, Deisenhammer EA, Dwyer J, Erlangsen A, Faust JS, Fornaro M, Fortune S, Garrett A, Gentile G, Gerstner R, Gilissen R, Gould M, Gupta SK, Hawton K, Holz F, Kamenshchikov I, Kapur N, Kasal A, Khan M, Kirtley OJ, Knipe D, Kõlves K, Kölzer SC, Krivda H, Leske S, Madeddu F, Marshall A, Memon A, Mittendorfer-Rutz E, Nestadt P, Neznanov N, Niederkrotenthaler T, Nielsen E, Nordentoft M, Oberlerchner H, O'Connor RC, Papsdorf R, Partonen T, Phillips MR, Platt S, Portzky G, Psota G, Qin P, Radeloff D, Reif A, Reif-Leonhard C, Rezaeian M, Román-Vázquez N, Roskar S, Rozanov V, Sara G, Scavacini K, Schneider B, Semenova N, Sinyor M, Tambuzzi S, Townsend E, Ueda M, Wasserman D, Webb RT, Winkler P, Yip PS, Zalsman G, Zoja R, John A, Spittal MJ. Suicide numbers during the first 9-15 months of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with pre-existing trends: An interrupted time series analysis in 33 countries. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 51:101573. [PMID: 35935344 PMCID: PMC9344880 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Predicted increases in suicide were not generally observed in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the picture may be changing and patterns might vary across demographic groups. We aimed to provide a timely, granular picture of the pandemic's impact on suicides globally. METHODS We identified suicide data from official public-sector sources for countries/areas-within-countries, searching websites and academic literature and contacting data custodians and authors as necessary. We sent our first data request on 22nd June 2021 and stopped collecting data on 31st October 2021. We used interrupted time series (ITS) analyses to model the association between the pandemic's emergence and total suicides and suicides by sex-, age- and sex-by-age in each country/area-within-country. We compared the observed and expected numbers of suicides in the pandemic's first nine and first 10-15 months and used meta-regression to explore sources of variation. FINDINGS We sourced data from 33 countries (24 high-income, six upper-middle-income, three lower-middle-income; 25 with whole-country data, 12 with data for area(s)-within-the-country, four with both). There was no evidence of greater-than-expected numbers of suicides in the majority of countries/areas-within-countries in any analysis; more commonly, there was evidence of lower-than-expected numbers. Certain sex, age and sex-by-age groups stood out as potentially concerning, but these were not consistent across countries/areas-within-countries. In the meta-regression, different patterns were not explained by countries' COVID-19 mortality rate, stringency of public health response, economic support level, or presence of a national suicide prevention strategy. Nor were they explained by countries' income level, although the meta-regression only included data from high-income and upper-middle-income countries, and there were suggestions from the ITS analyses that lower-middle-income countries fared less well. INTERPRETATION Although there are some countries/areas-within-countries where overall suicide numbers and numbers for certain sex- and age-based groups are greater-than-expected, these countries/areas-within-countries are in the minority. Any upward movement in suicide numbers in any place or group is concerning, and we need to remain alert to and respond to changes as the pandemic and its mental health and economic consequences continue. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Pirkis
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Corresponding author at: Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia.
| | - David Gunnell
- National Institute of Health and care Research Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sangsoo Shin
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Vikas Arya
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Louis Appleby
- National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - S. M. Yasir Arafat
- Department of Psychiatry, Enam Medical College and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ella Arensman
- School of Public Health, National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jose Luis Ayuso-Mateos
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidad Autonoma de Madrid, Centre for Biomedical Research in Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Yatan Pal Singh Balhara
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Center and Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jason Bantjes
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Institute for Life Course Health Research, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Anna Baran
- Working Group on Prevention of Suicide and Depression at Public Health Council, Ministry of Health, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Medicine and Optometry, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
- Department of Psychiatry, Blekinge Hospital, Karlshamn, Sweden
| | - Chittaranjan Behera
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Jose Bertolote
- Department of Neurology, Psychology and Psychiatry, Botucatu Medical School, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Borges
- Department of Global Mental Health, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramon de la Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Michael Bray
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Petrana Brečić
- Department for Psychiatry, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče; School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Eric Caine
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Raffaella Calati
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, Nimes University Hospital, Nimes, France
| | - Vladimir Carli
- National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health (NASP), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Giulio Castelpietra
- Region Friuli Venezia Giulia, Central Health Directorate, Outpatient and Inpatient Care Service, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lai Fong Chan
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shu-Sen Chang
- Institute of Health Behaviors and Community Sciences, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Maria Coss-Guzmán
- Puerto Rico Department of Health's Commission on Suicide Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - David Crompton
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Marko Ćurković
- Department for Medical Ethics, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapče; School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Rakhi Dandona
- Public Health Foundation of India, Gurugram, India
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Eva De Jaegere
- Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Eberhard A. Deisenhammer
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, Psychosomatics and Medical Psychology; University Hospital for Psychiatry 2, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jeremy Dwyer
- Coroners Court of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Annette Erlangsen
- Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Copenhagen Research Centre for Mental Health, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jeremy S. Faust
- Brigham and Women's Hospital Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Michele Fornaro
- Department of Psychiatry, Neuroscience Institute, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Sarah Fortune
- School of Population Health, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrew Garrett
- Coronial Division, Tasmanian Magistrates Court, Hobart, Australia
| | - Guendalina Gentile
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Rebekka Gerstner
- Undersecretary of Health Services, Ministry of Public Health, Quito, Ecuador
- Monitoring and Evaluation, German Institute for Medical Mission, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Renske Gilissen
- 113 Suicide Prevention, Research Department, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Madelyn Gould
- Departments of Psychiatry and Epidemiology, Columbia University Medical Center/New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sudhir Kumar Gupta
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Keith Hawton
- Centre for Suicide Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Franziska Holz
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Iurii Kamenshchikov
- Udmurtia Republican Clinical Psychiatric Hospital, Izhevsk, Russian Federation
| | - Navneet Kapur
- Centre for Mental Health and Safety and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandr Kasal
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Murad Khan
- Department of Psychiatry, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Duleeka Knipe
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Kairi Kõlves
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sarah C. Kölzer
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Hryhorii Krivda
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Odessa National Medical University, Odessa, Ukraine
| | - Stuart Leske
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Fabio Madeddu
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrew Marshall
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, MA, United States
| | - Anjum Memon
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Ellenor Mittendorfer-Rutz
- Division of Insurance Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paul Nestadt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Nikolay Neznanov
- Bekhterev National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Neurology, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
- Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Thomas Niederkrotenthaler
- Unit Suicide Research and Mental Health Promotion, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Emma Nielsen
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Merete Nordentoft
- Danish Research Institute for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Herwig Oberlerchner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy; Klinikum Klagenfurt am Wörthersee, Klagenfurt, Austria
| | - Rory C. O'Connor
- Suicidal Behaviour Research Lab, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Rainer Papsdorf
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Timo Partonen
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael R. Phillips
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Departments of Psychiatry and Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Steve Platt
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Gwendolyn Portzky
- Flemish Centre of Expertise in Suicide Prevention, Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Georg Psota
- Psychosocial Services in Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ping Qin
- National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Daniel Radeloff
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt - Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Christine Reif-Leonhard
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt - Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mohsen Rezaeian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Occupational Environment Research Center, Medical School, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Nayda Román-Vázquez
- Puerto Rico Department of Health's Commission on Suicide Prevention, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Saska Roskar
- National Institute of Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Vsevolod Rozanov
- Bekhterev National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Neurology, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
- Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Grant Sara
- System Information and Analytics Branch, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Barbara Schneider
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt - Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- LVR Klinik Köln, Department of Addictive Disorders, Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Cologne, Germany
| | - Natalia Semenova
- Organizational-Scientific Department, Bekhterev National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Neurology, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Mark Sinyor
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Stefano Tambuzzi
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ellen Townsend
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Michiko Ueda
- Waseda University, Faculty of Political Science and Economics, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Danuta Wasserman
- National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention of Mental Ill-Health (NASP), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roger T. Webb
- Centre for Mental Health and Safety and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Petr Winkler
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
| | - Paul S.F. Yip
- Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, Department of Social Work and Social Administration, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Gil Zalsman
- Geha Mental Health Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Riccardo Zoja
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ann John
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J. Spittal
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Burd C, MacGregor JCD, Ford-Gilboe M, Mantler T, McLean I, Veenendaal J, Wathen N. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Staff in Violence Against Women Services. Violence Against Women 2022:10778012221117595. [PMID: 36002949 PMCID: PMC9412141 DOI: 10.1177/10778012221117595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has been harmful to survivors of abuse. Less understood is the impact on staff in the violence against women (VAW) service sector. Using interpretive description methodology, we examined staff experiences during the pandemic in Ontario, Canada, and found four core themes: (1) the emotional toll of the work; (2) remote (doesn't) work; (3) work restructuring; (4) efforts to stay well and subthemes nuancing staff experiences in a sector vulnerable to vicarious trauma. This research underscores the need to mitigate experiences of stress, heavy workloads, and guilt for staff in VAW services during crises and provides action-oriented recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Burd
- Faculty of Information and Media Studies, Western University, Canada,Caitlin Burd, Western University, Faculty of Information and Media Studies, 1151 Richmond St., London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada.
| | | | | | - Tara Mantler
- School of Health Studies, Western University, Canada
| | - Isobel McLean
- School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jill Veenendaal
- Faculty of Information and Media Studies, Western University, Canada
| | - Nadine Wathen
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, Canada
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Almegewly WH, Hawamdah S, Moussa FL, Dator WLT, Alonezi A, Al-Eissa M. Measuring Nurses' and Physicians' Attitudes and Perceptions of the Appropriate Interventions towards Intimate Partner Violence in Saudi Arabia. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10081430. [PMID: 36011088 PMCID: PMC9408212 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10081430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is considered the most common form of violence against women worldwide, concerning public health, safety, and human rights. However, little to no studies in Saudi Arabia have explored the attitude and perception of health care providers working in emergency departments toward IPV. This study aimed to measure the attitude and perception of Emergency Room (ER) health care providers towards the appropriate intervention for IPV. Methods: This is a cross-sectional quantitative study. Data was collected from a convenient sample of nurses (n = 88) and physicians (n = 18) working in ER, using Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey (PREMIS). Data was collected from two hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and descriptive analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: The majority of the respondents were aged 18−40 (n = 106, 78%), while 22% were 41−60 years old, 69% were female, and 31% were male. Eighty-five percent were nurses and 15% were physicians. The majority of the respondents did not have any training on IPV and had gained knowledge or skills mostly during their medical/nursing classroom and clinical training. The analysis revealed that the participants had moderate levels of overall preparedness, knowledge about IPV, and perceived knowledge, with a mean score of 2.30, 18.62, and 2.18, respectively. The respondents had low scores in practice issues in new diagnosis (0.91), current screening (1.69), and actions when IPV is identified (0.91). The perceived preparedness and knowledge have a significant positive correlation, as shown by an r value of 0.8476 and a p-value of <0.05. Conclusion: The study shows that participants stated minimal previous IPV knowledge and training. It is necessary to put in place adequate resources and specific training programs to overcome this issue for both ER nurses and physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wafa Hamad Almegewly
- Department of Community Health Nursing, College of Nursing, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Fatchima Laouali Moussa
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia; (F.L.M.); (W.L.T.D.)
| | - Wireen Leila Tanggawohn Dator
- Department of Medical-Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia; (F.L.M.); (W.L.T.D.)
| | - Anwar Alonezi
- Department of Community Health Nursing, College of Nursing, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Majid Al-Eissa
- Department of National Family Safety Program, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs (MNGHA), King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Pediatrics, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), Riyadh 11481, Saudi Arabia
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Sánchez ODR, Tanaka Zambrano E, Dantas-Silva A, Bonás MK, Grieger I, Machado HC, Surita FG. Domestic violence: A cross-sectional study among pregnant and postpartum women. J Adv Nurs 2022; 79:1525-1539. [PMID: 35855530 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AIM To assess the prevalence of domestic violence/intimate partner violence, aggressors, types of violence and associated factors in women who attend an antenatal and postnatal care service in a public hospital in Brazil. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS We interviewed women attending antenatal and postpartum care services in a Brazilian public tertiary woman's hospital in Campinas, São Paulo, between July 2019 and September 2021. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires previously used in healthcare settings: Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS); Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST); Hurt, Insulted, Threatened with Harm and Screamed (HITS). We evaluated the relationship between the sociodemographic characteristics of women and domestic/intimate violence using bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Of the 600 pregnant and postpartum women interviewed, 138 (23%) had suffered any abuse. Some participants disclosed physical violence during pregnancy (2.3%) and during the last 12 months (5.3%). The partner was identified as the main aggressor in most of the cases (60%). When women had a partner, 3.5% reported domestic violence and 6.7% disclosed intimate partner violence during pregnancy or postpartum period. Women with non-white skin colour (OR = 1.53; 95% CI 1.01-2.34; p = .048), gestational age ≤ 13 weeks (OR = 3.41; 95% CI 1.03-11.25; p = .044) and in postpartum period (OR = 2.81; 95% CI 1.32-5.99; p = .008) were more likely to experience domestic violence at some time in their lives. Women interviewed before the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to disclose that they had suffered any abuse. CONCLUSION Experience of violence during pregnancy and postpartum period was more frequent in women with non-white skin colour, in their first gestational trimester and in the postpartum period, and was more reported before the COVID-19 pandemic. Antenatal and postpartum care services could be safe places to support violence survivors. IMPACT Pregnant and postpartum women are a vulnerable group to experiencing domestic violence/intimate partner violence. Violence can negatively affect women's and children's health and well-being. Antenatal and postpartum care should be considered as a moment to routinely inquiry women about past and current violence experiences. Regular contact among healthcare professionals and women during this period offers a window of opportunities for implementing psychosocial interventions among women at risk of violence. Healthcare providers (i.e., physicians, psychologists, social workers, nurses and midwives) have an important role in identifying survivors, offering support and providing quality information to women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odette Del Risco Sánchez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Amanda Dantas-Silva
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Isabella Grieger
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Fernanda Garanhani Surita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
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Katou H, Kataoka Y. Intimate partner violence and the situation of women experiencing intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study of Japanese clinician views. Jpn J Nurs Sci 2022; 20:e12506. [PMID: 35851728 PMCID: PMC9349717 DOI: 10.1111/jjns.12506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major global threat to women's health. Stay-at-home orders during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic were associated with an increase in IPV. The purpose of this study was to clarify IPV and the situation of women experiencing IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. METHODS A semi-structured interview was conducted with five healthcare providers who gave support to women experiencing IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and analyzed in accordance with thematic analysis methodology. RESULTS Two categories concerning IPV and the situation of women experiencing IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic emerged from analysis of interviews: (1) the possibility that IPV might change during the pandemic; and (2) barriers that prevent women getting support. "Possibility that IPV might change during the pandemic" consisted of three subcategories: "Male partner takes his stress out on her"; "Male partner forced her out of the home"; and "Conflict occurred more easily at home". "Barriers that prevent women getting support" had four subcategories: "Difficulty in accessing outside support"; "Restricted access to get care due to financial difficulties"; "Lack of support from her family"; and "Women experience a loss of energy". CONCLUSIONS During the COVID-19 pandemic, there were barriers to provide support for women despite increased IPV. Healthcare providers should support women using effective methods to protect women's health and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hinako Katou
- Kansai Medical University Medical CenterOsakaJapan
| | - Yaeko Kataoka
- St. Luke's International University, Women's Health & MidwiferyTokyoJapan
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38
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Wilson CA. Perinatal mental health during the COVID‐19 pandemic. PROGRESS IN NEUROLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/pnp.751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claire A Wilson
- Dr Wilson is NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer and Psychiatry Specialist Registrar, Section of Women's Mental Health, King's College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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Cantor E, Salas R, Torres R. Femicide and Attempted Femicide before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Chile. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138012. [PMID: 35805670 PMCID: PMC9265640 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Experts and international organizations hypothesize that the number of cases of fatal intimate partner violence against women increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily due to social distancing strategies and the implementation of lockdowns to reduce the spread of the virus. We described cases of attempted femicide and femicide in Chile before (January 2014 to February 2020) and during (March 2020 to June 2021) the pandemic. The attempted-femicide rate increased during the pandemic (incidence rate ratio: 1.22 [95% confidence interval: 1.04 to 1.43], p value: 0.016), while the rate of femicide cases remained unchanged. When a comparison between attempted-femicide and femicide cases was performed, being a foreigner, having an intimate partner relationship with a perpetrator aged 40 years or more, and the use of firearms during the assault were identified as factors associated independently with a higher probability of being a fatal victim in Chile. In conclusion, this study emphasizes that attempted femicide and femicide continued to occur frequently in family contexts both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Cantor
- Institute of Statistics, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
- Millennium Institute for Intelligent Healthcare Engineering (iHealth), Santiago 7820436, Chile;
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ingeniería en Salud, CINGS-UV, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2362905, Chile
- Correspondence: (E.C.); (R.T.)
| | - Rodrigo Salas
- Millennium Institute for Intelligent Healthcare Engineering (iHealth), Santiago 7820436, Chile;
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ingeniería en Salud, CINGS-UV, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2362905, Chile
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2362905, Chile
| | - Romina Torres
- Millennium Institute for Intelligent Healthcare Engineering (iHealth), Santiago 7820436, Chile;
- Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Andres Bello, Viña del Mar 2520584, Chile
- Correspondence: (E.C.); (R.T.)
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Noémie VB, Rozenberg S, Gilles C, Bomboir I, Joris A, Rousseau C, Manigart Y. Impact of Covid-lockdown on abortion management at a family planning in Brussels. EUR J CONTRACEP REPR 2022; 27:278-283. [PMID: 35727186 DOI: 10.1080/13625187.2022.2085682] [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: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In response to the Covid-19 lockdown, we developed a new abortion protocol in a family planning in Brussels. This study evaluates the effects of the lockdown on the abortion management and its impact on patients' characteristics. METHODS A retrospective study compared the characteristics and management of patients who terminated their pregnancies at the same family planning (CHU Saint-Pierre Brussels) between 14 March and 6 May 2020 and during the same time period in 2019. RESULTS Patients having an abortion in 2020 (n = 87) were in average two years older compared to patients having abortions in 2019 (n = 93) (31 years ± 13 vs 29 years ± 13 p < .011), the number of abortions was similar to those of previous years, and the characteristics of the population were identical. The management of abortions has changed significantly as the patients terminated their pregnancies earlier in 2020 than in 2019 (7 W and 1 day ± 3 days versus 8 W and 5 days ± 3 days p < .01), mostly with medication and at home (61.4% versus 2% p < .001), but with similar effectiveness. CONCLUSION Due to the lockdown, we have accelerated the time required to obtain an appointment and shortened the delay between the abortion request and the pregnancy termination, permitting an earlier management mainly through the use of medical- and at home abortion. Given the satisfactory results, we consider now to implement this new protocol beyond the lockdown period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanden Berghe Noémie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Serge Rozenberg
- Department of Gynecology, The University Hospital Center (CHU) Saint-Pierre, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Chrsitine Gilles
- Department of Gynecology, The University Hospital Center (CHU) Saint-Pierre, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Bomboir
- Department of Gynecology, The University Hospital Center (CHU) Saint-Pierre, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Aurélie Joris
- Department of Gynecology, The University Hospital Center (CHU) Saint-Pierre, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Rousseau
- Department of Gynecology, The University Hospital Center (CHU) Saint-Pierre, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yannick Manigart
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Lives of Women with Different Socioeconomic Backgrounds and Victimization Experiences in Portugal. SOCIAL SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci11060258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The heavy economic, social, and psychological toll of pandemic lockdowns around the world and their disproportionate effect on women are widely acknowledged, but different socioeconomic backgrounds and contexts may influence the degree to which stay-at-home measures impact their lives. Additionally, knowing that violence against women tends to increase during times of crisis, we are testing if the additional burden of victimization represents an added load to the perceived social impacts of the lockdown. Using 2021 survey data from a random sample of 1541 Portuguese women, the paper explores, through logistic regression models, the social impact of the lockdown on the lives of women, its socioeconomic determinants, and the role played by violence against women during the pandemic. The results show that the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown did not equally affect all facets of women’s social lives, and women with higher education status and that experienced income reductions due to the measures taken to control the pandemic are more prone to experience a more severe negative impact of the lockdown on the various facets of their lives. Additionally, having been a victim during the pandemic partially mediates the effect of education and income reduction on the social outcomes of the lockdown.
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Marye S, Atav S. Global policies to reduce pandemic intensified violence against women. Public Health Nurs 2022; 39:1300-1307. [PMID: 35666995 PMCID: PMC9348340 DOI: 10.1111/phn.13099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Violence against women (VAW) worsened globally during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns. For example, a woman in France was killed every 3 days during lockdown. At the same time in South Africa, a woman was killed every 3 h. This paper presents and analyzes the risk factors that have worsened during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns and the subsequent economic consequences of mitigation policies. The purpose of this paper is twofold: (a) to conduct a critical review of international extant literature regarding government policies related to VAW since the beginning of the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns that began in early 2020, and (b) to suggest opportunities for nurses to influence health policy development and social norms related to VAW. Thematic synthesis of the findings present interventions that helped to mitigate VAW during Covid-19 and is followed by a discussion of findings in relation to social determinants of health and human rights. A gender-based policy approach that focuses on the human right to be free of all forms of violence must be a leading strategy as governments reallocate resources and rebuild economies in the wake of this pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey Marye
- Decker College of Nursing and Health ScienceBinghamton UniversityState University of New YorkBinghamtonNew YorkUSA
| | - Serdar Atav
- Decker College of Nursing and Health ScienceBinghamton UniversityState University of New YorkBinghamtonNew YorkUSA
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van Daalen KR, Kallesøe SS, Davey F, Dada S, Jung L, Singh L, Issa R, Emilian CA, Kuhn I, Keygnaert I, Nilsson M. Extreme events and gender-based violence: a mixed-methods systematic review. Lancet Planet Health 2022; 6:e504-e523. [PMID: 35709808 PMCID: PMC10073035 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(22)00088-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The intensity and frequency of extreme weather and climate events are expected to increase due to anthropogenic climate change. This systematic review explores extreme events and their effect on gender-based violence (GBV) experienced by women, girls, and sexual and gender minorities. We searched ten databases until February, 2022. Grey literature was searched using the websites of key organisations working on GBV and Google. Quantitative studies were described narratively, whereas qualitative studies underwent thematic analysis. We identified 26 381 manuscripts. 41 studies were included exploring several types of extreme events (ie, storms, floods, droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires) and GBV (eg, sexual violence and harassment, physical violence, witch killing, early or forced marriage, and emotional violence). Studies were predominantly cross-sectional. Although most qualitative studies were of reasonable quality, most quantitative studies were of poor quality. Only one study included sexual and gender minorities. Most studies showed an increase in one or several GBV forms during or after extreme events, often related to economic instability, food insecurity, mental stress, disrupted infrastructure, increased exposure to men, tradition, and exacerbated gender inequality. These findings could have important implications for sexual-transformative and gender-transformative interventions, policies, and implementation. High-quality evidence from large, ethnographically diverse cohorts is essential to explore the effects and driving factors of GBV during and after extreme events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah Savić Kallesøe
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Centre for Infectious Disease Genomics and One Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Fiona Davey
- Health Equity Network, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sara Dada
- UCD Centre for Interdisciplinary Research, Education, and Innovation in Health Systems, School of Nursing, Midwifery, and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura Jung
- Medical Faculty, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lucy Singh
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Rita Issa
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christina Alma Emilian
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Isla Kuhn
- Medical Library, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ines Keygnaert
- International Centre for Reproductive Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maria Nilsson
- Department of Epidemiology and Global Health, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Howard LM, Wilson CA, Chandra PS. Intimate partner violence and mental health: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. World Psychiatry 2022; 21:311-313. [PMID: 35524625 PMCID: PMC9077615 DOI: 10.1002/wps.20976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Louise M. Howard
- Section of Women's Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Claire A. Wilson
- Section of Women's Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
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Surita FG, Sánchez ODR. Routine Enquiry for Domestic Violence during Antenatal Care: An Opportunity to Improve Women's Health. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA : REVISTA DA FEDERACAO BRASILEIRA DAS SOCIEDADES DE GINECOLOGIA E OBSTETRICIA 2022; 44:211-213. [PMID: 35576935 PMCID: PMC9948041 DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1742735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Odette Del Risco Sánchez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
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Thomas AS, Osbourne M, Appelhans BM, Roisman GI, Booth-LaForce C, Bleil ME. Disparities in COVID-19-related stressful life events in the United States: Understanding who is most impacted. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:1199-1211. [PMID: 34854149 PMCID: PMC11064021 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States have been exacerbated by pre-existing inequities in resources and opportunities, leaving the most vulnerable to face a multitude of hardships. The goal of the current study was to characterise COVID-19-related stressful life events in specific life domains and to identify the sociodemographic characteristics of individuals who are more likely to experience such events. Participants (n = 372, 57% female) in a follow-up study of the NICHD Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development completed the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory (June-August 2020) to assess COVID-19-related stressors. Sociodemographic factors (gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status and wealth) were examined simultaneously as predictors of the number of stressful life events in separate categories of work/finances, home life, social activity, health and healthcare, adjusted for covariates (household size, community COVID-19 transmission risk). In negative binomial regression analyses, being female (vs. male) predicted a 31%, 64%, 13% and 94% increase in the number of stressful life events in domains of work/finances, home life, social activity and healthcare, respectively, whereas each one standard deviation increase in wealth predicted a 17%, 16% and 21% reduction in the number of stressful life events in domains of work/finances, COVID-19 infection and healthcare, respectively. Findings highlight the pronounced and far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on women as well as the unique role wealth may play in lessening such impacts. This new knowledge may be leveraged to develop intervention and policy-related strategies to remediate impacts of COVID-19-related stressors on those most vulnerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis S. Thomas
- Child, Family & Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Madalyn Osbourne
- Child, Family & Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bradley M. Appelhans
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Glenn I. Roisman
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Cathryn Booth-LaForce
- Child, Family & Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Maria E. Bleil
- Child, Family & Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Physical activity to ameliorate the negative mental health effects of COVID-19-induced confinement. INFORMATICS IN MEDICINE UNLOCKED 2022; 31:100976. [PMID: 35637899 PMCID: PMC9132429 DOI: 10.1016/j.imu.2022.100976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mental health is strongly affected by physical (PA) and sedentary (SA) activity. In the current study, the relationships of PA and sedentary activity (SA) with mental status amid confinement caused by COVID-19 were examined. The study is self-reporting, survey-based, and cross-sectional in design. The study was conducted in Jordan and included 1744 participants (≥18 years old). The participants' mental status was obtained using the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS). The results showed involvement in both PA and SA during COVID-19-induced confinement. The involvement includes walking (77.2%), running (70.3%), cycling (84.9%), swimming (83.1%), sports (82.9%), weightlifting (86.4%), watching TV (79.4%), using electronics (86.3%), and logging to social media (85.1%). Lower DASS scores were associated (p < 0.05) with lower walking, running, and weightlifting but not (p > 0.05) with cycling and swimming PA. Additionally, DASS scores (p < 0.05) were associated with changes in television viewing but not (p > 0.05) with electronics and social media use during confinement. In conclusion, individuals who experienced higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression were more likely to turn to more PA and less SA. These findings are important and suggest that individuals during confinement find PA a useful strategy to mitigate the negative mental effects of the pandemic.
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Comfort AB, Rao L, Goodman S, Raine-Bennett T, Barney A, Mengesha B, Harper CC. Assessing differences in contraceptive provision through telemedicine among reproductive health providers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Reprod Health 2022; 19:99. [PMID: 35459218 PMCID: PMC9026031 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-022-01388-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Providers faced challenges in maintaining patient access to contraceptive services and public health safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to increased barriers to care, providers increasingly used telemedicine for contraceptive care, curbside services, mail-order pharmacies, and on-line or home delivery of contraceptive methods, including self-administration of subcutaneous depo medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SQ). To better understand how reproductive health providers adapted service provision during the pandemic, this study assessed clinical practice changes and strategies providers adopted throughout the United States to maintain contraceptive care, particularly when clinics closed on-site, and the challenges that remained in offering contraceptive services, especially to marginalized patient populations. Methods We surveyed U.S. providers and clinic staff (n = 907) in April 2020–January 2021, collecting data on contraceptive service delivery challenges and adaptations, including telemedicine. We assessed clinical practice changes with multivariate regression analyses using generalized linear models with a Poisson distribution and cluster robust standard errors, adjusting for clinic patient volume, practice setting, region, Title X funding, and time of survey. Results While 80% of providers reported their clinic remained open, 20% were closed on-site. Providers said the pandemic made it more difficult to offer the full range of contraceptive methods (65%), contraceptive counseling (61%) or to meet the needs of patients in marginalized communities (50%). While only 11% of providers offered telemedicine pre-pandemic, most offered telemedicine visits (79%) during the pandemic. Some used mail-order pharmacies (35%), curbside contraceptive services (22%), and DMPA-SQ for self-administration (10%). Clinics that closed on-site were more likely to use mail-order pharmacies (aRR 1.83, 95% CI [1.37–2.44]) and prescribe self-administered DMPA-SQ (aRR 3.85, 95% CI [2.40–6.18]). Clinics closed on-site were just as likely to use telemedicine as those that remained open. Among clinics using telemedicine, those closed on-site continued facing challenges in contraceptive service provision. Conclusions Clinics closing on-site were just as likely to offer telemedicine, but faced greater challenges in offering contraceptive counseling and the full range of contraceptive methods, and meeting the needs of marginalized communities. Maintaining in-person care for contraceptive services, in spite of staffing shortages and financial difficulties, is an important objective during and beyond the pandemic. Providers faced challenges in maintaining patient access to contraceptive services and public health safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to increased barriers to care, providers increasingly used telemedicine for contraceptive care as well as using curbside services, mail-order pharmacies, and on-line or home delivery of contraceptive methods, including self-administration of subcutaneous depo medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA-SQ). This study examined use of telemedicine and other clinical practice changes among U.S. contraceptive providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. We surveyed providers (n=907) in April 2020–January 2021, collecting data on contraceptive service delivery challenges and adaptations, including telemedicine. Our analyses showed that, in response to the pandemic, many clinics adopted telemedicine to offer contraceptive services. Furthermore, clinics that were closed on-site were just as likely to start offering telemedicine visits during the pandemic as those that remained open. Despite these adaptions, clinics still faced challenges in offering the full range of contraceptive methods, providing contraceptive counseling, and meeting the needs of patients in marginalized communities. Offering telemedicine visits during the pandemic did not reduce the challenges in offering contraceptive services. Few studies have focused on providers and the clinical practice changes they rapidly achieved to maintain contraceptive access for their patients during the pandemic. Our results highlighted that telemedicine should be considered as a complement to on-site care because of the challenges in providing full services without in-person visits. Maintaining in-person care for contraceptive services, in spite of staffing shortages and financial difficulties, is an important objective during and beyond the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison B Comfort
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Lavanya Rao
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.,Deloitte, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Suzan Goodman
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tina Raine-Bennett
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, CA, USA.,Medicines360, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Angela Barney
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Biftu Mengesha
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Cynthia C Harper
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health, University of California San Francisco, 550 16th Street, 3rd floor, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
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Barbara G, Viero A, Pellizzone I, Buggio L, Facchin F, Cattaneo C, D’Amico ME, Vercellini P, Kustermann A. Intimate Partner Violence in the COVID-19 Era: A Health, Psychological, Forensic and Legal Perspective. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19094973. [PMID: 35564368 PMCID: PMC9104607 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19094973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This commentary aims to provide a multidisciplinary framework on intimate partner violence (IPV) during the COVID-19 pandemic (with a specific focus on the most predominant form of gender-based violence, i.e., male violence towards women), commenting on the multiple negative consequences of the pandemic on gender violence and providing elements of effective practice. We searched literature for reports/studies on the issue of IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on health, psychological, forensic, and legal aspects. The combined effects of lockdowns, isolation at home with abusive partners, quarantine, and economic worries/loss of a job could significantly facilitate violence against women and, at the same time, diminish women’s chances to seek for help, with a strong negative impact on their life. The continued offer of clinical, psychological, forensic, and legal services for survivors of violence, despite the modifications to the provision of these services due to the new needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic, appears of utmost importance. All actions to support survivors of IPV are expected to be multidisciplinary, including the involvement of social and/or legal services and health systems, and woman-centred. Implementing these measures in the COVID-19 era appears challenging but is of primary importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giussy Barbara
- Gynaecological Unit and SVSeD, Service for Sexual and Domestic Violence, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (P.V.); (A.K.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (G.B.); (L.B.); Tel.: +39-02-5503-2917 (G.B.); Fax: +39-02-0320264 (G.B.)
| | - Alessia Viero
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology Unit, Department of Cardio-Thoraco-Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy;
| | - Irene Pellizzone
- Department of Italian and Supranational Public Law, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (I.P.); (M.E.D.)
| | - Laura Buggio
- Gynaecological Unit and SVSeD, Service for Sexual and Domestic Violence, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (P.V.); (A.K.)
- Correspondence: (G.B.); (L.B.); Tel.: +39-02-5503-2917 (G.B.); Fax: +39-02-0320264 (G.B.)
| | - Federica Facchin
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo A. Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy;
| | - Cristina Cattaneo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, 20133 Milan, Italy;
- LABANOF—Laboratorio di Antropologia e Odontologia Forense, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Elisa D’Amico
- Department of Italian and Supranational Public Law, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy; (I.P.); (M.E.D.)
| | - Paolo Vercellini
- Gynaecological Unit and SVSeD, Service for Sexual and Domestic Violence, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (P.V.); (A.K.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Kustermann
- Gynaecological Unit and SVSeD, Service for Sexual and Domestic Violence, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (P.V.); (A.K.)
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Barriers Affecting Women’s Access to Urban Green Spaces during the COVID-19 Pandemic. LAND 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/land11040560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, urban green spaces (UGS) have gained relevance as a resilience tool that can sustain or increase well-being and public health in cities. However, several cities in Latin America have seen a decrease in their UGS use rates during the health emergency, particularly among vulnerable groups such as women. Using Mexico City as a case study, this research examines the main barriers affecting women’s access to UGS during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America. We applied a sequential mixed-methods approach in which the results of a survey distributed via social media in June 2020 to women aged 18 and older were used to develop semi-structured interviews with 12 women during October 2020. One year later, in November 2021, the continuity of the themes was evaluated through focus groups with the same group of women who participated in the interviews. Our results suggest that (1) prohibiting access to some UGS during the first months of the pandemic negatively impacted UGS access for women in marginalized neighborhoods; (2) for women, the concept of UGS quality and safety are intertwined, including the security level of the surrounding streets; and (3) women who live in socially cohesive neighborhoods indicated using UGS to a greater extent. Our findings highlight that while design interventions can affect women’s willingness to use UGS by improving their perceived safety and comfort, they remain insufficient to fully achieve equity in access to UGS.
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