1
|
Lewis L, Augustson C, De Vries G, Gantseva A, Gao Y, Hay J, Latumahina C, Leslie M, Murtagh K, Prasad N, Olorunnisola TS. An Exploration of Australian Online Government Portals for Women Experiencing Domestic Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Violence Against Women 2024; 30:3272-3296. [PMID: 37282576 PMCID: PMC10251060 DOI: 10.1177/10778012231179209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Domestic violence against women increased during COVID-19 lockdowns. This inaugural study examined the content of Australian government online portals, for women seeking support and help for domestic violence, during the 2021 COVID-19 pandemic. This mixed methods study incorporated four phases: a search; measurement of portal quality standard using DISCERN; enumeration of portal items; and a qualitative exploration of portal text. Australian governments must continue to work alongside domestic violence services as we found some portals were better than others. Continued review, revision, and funding are needed to meet the demands associated with this evolving public health emergency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Lewis
- Action Research Centre, Melbourne,
Victoria, Australia
- School of Nursing, Faculty of health
Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | | | - Alla Gantseva
- Action Research Centre, Melbourne,
Victoria, Australia
| | - Yifan Gao
- Action Research Centre, Melbourne,
Victoria, Australia
| | - Jaimee Hay
- Action Research Centre, Melbourne,
Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cunha A, Gonçalves M, Matos M. Understanding the Dynamics of Domestic Violence During the First Year of the Pandemic: An Integrative Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024:15248380241277788. [PMID: 39315677 DOI: 10.1177/15248380241277788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/25/2024]
Abstract
This integrative review aims to analyze and synthesize existing literature to inform our understanding of the multifaceted dimensions of domestic violence during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, using a holistic and ecological framework. Utilizing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) study design, searches were conducted on six databases, yielding a final sample of 58 articles. The study comprehensively overviews North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Africa, and worldwide research. The literature reveals an alarming increase in domestic violence victimization during the pandemic in most regions and studies, exacerbating pre-existing vulnerabilities. The increase in domestic violence during the pandemic is linked to ecological factors such as lower physical and mental health, rising substance use, and financial stress, which heightened individuals' vulnerability. Lockdowns exacerbated these issues by increasing confinement in homes, disrupting support services, and limiting victims' access to help. Barriers to help-seeking and amplified personal and professional stressors at the care level are identified. Advocacy for improved awareness, cooperation, and inclusive national and institutional policies emerges. This study underscores the urgency of empirical research to generate reliable data on the pandemic's impact on domestic violence. The findings of this study highlight the importance of understanding unique factors affecting specific groups, as well as informing prevention efforts and targeted interventions. Recognizing the mutual benefit of research-practice partnerships is crucial in addressing and preventing domestic violence. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of domestic violence during the pandemic's first year, guiding empirically informed interventions and policy changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cunha
- Center of Investigation in Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Mariana Gonçalves
- Center of Investigation in Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Marlene Matos
- Center of Investigation in Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chadwick SB. The Prioritization of Women's Orgasms During Heterosex: A Critical Feminist Review of the Implications for Women's Sexual Liberation. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024:1-20. [PMID: 39259516 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2024.2399153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
Orgasm is considered by many to be an essential part of women's ideal sexual experiences. As a result, sexual liberation narratives have often advocated for the prioritization of women's orgasms - particularly during heterosex - framing them as a central indicator of "good," healthy, liberated sex. However, scholars have increasingly critiqued these narratives, arguing that they result in an orgasm imperative that has negatively impacted women's sexual lives. Perspectives that promote the prioritization of women's orgasm and those that warn against the negative repercussions strive for the same thing - to draw attention to women's sexuality in ways that will lead to more pleasurable, enjoyable, and equitable sex for women overall. Yet, together, they offer contradictory messages about the role that women's orgasms can or should play in women's sexual liberation. For example, one could argue that it perhaps makes sense to prioritize women's orgasms given that they often are highly pleasurable for women, center a unique form of embodied pleasure, and offer a supposedly clear objective for women and their men partners. On the other hand, such narratives frame women's orgasm absence as abnormal, concede to men's sexuality in problematic ways, and constrain more comprehensive possibilities for women's sexual pleasure. In this critical feminist review, I offer a summative outline of these and other contradictions, focusing on how narratives prioritizing women's orgasms can have simultaneous benefits and negative repercussions when it comes to (1) women's sexual pleasure, (2) the medicalization/pathologization of women's orgasms, and (3) heterosex norms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara B Chadwick
- Departments of Gender and Women's Studies and Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Côrtes MTF, Alves ÂC, Teixeira AL, Alabarse OP, Dos Santos Júnior A, Dos Santos Fernandes AM, de Azevedo RCS. Profile of female survivors of sexual violence in the first 6 months of the COVID-19 quarantine in the city of Campinas, Brazil: A cross-sectional retrospective study. Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2024. [PMID: 39072771 DOI: 10.1002/ijgo.15809] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Describe the characteristics and changes in the profile of women who sought care after experiencing sexual violence (SV) during the first six months of the COVID-19 pandemic in a Brazilian city. METHODS This is a cross-sectional retrospective study. Data from emergency care and legal abortion requests of women assisted at the Women's Health Care Center Hospital (School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Brazil) due to SV experienced between March 23 and August 23, 2020 (Quarantine Group, QG), were collected and compared with data from the same period of the previous biennium (Comparison Group, CG). χ2 and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare groups; the significance level was 5%. RESULTS Data for 236 women were analyzed; 70 women were included in the QG and 166 in the CG. In the QG, there was a restriction in the area of origin of women, with a higher proportion of women who lived in Campinas (P = 0.0007) and a higher frequency of chronic SV (P = 0,035). There were no rapes associated with the use of social media or apps in the QG, but 9.8% of women in the CG experienced rape associated with the use of social media or apps. There were higher rates of domestic violence (P = 0.022) and intimidation through physical force (P = 0.011) in the first two months. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 quarantine affected the profile of women who sought care after experiencing SV. The quarantine resulted in changes in the area of origin of patients, hindering access to health services and leading to higher rates of chronic and domestic SV, particularly in the first 2 months of the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ândria Cléia Alves
- Gynecological Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Ana Luiza Teixeira
- Gynecological Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Otávio Prado Alabarse
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Amilton Dos Santos Júnior
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Arlete Maria Dos Santos Fernandes
- Gynecological Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Renata Cruz Soares de Azevedo
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Gynecological Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nikrouy F, Mohammadi K, Samavi SA. Structural Relationship Model of Basic Psychological Needs With Intimate Partner Violence: The Mediating Role of Gender Discrimination and Self-Esteem. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024:8862605241259415. [PMID: 39066554 DOI: 10.1177/08862605241259415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) encompasses a range of abusive behaviors within intimate relationships. This study examines the structural relationships between basic psychological needs and IPV victimization among Iranian women, shedding light on the complex factors contributing to IPV and potential avenues for intervention. Data were gathered from a sample of 306 Iranian women who had experienced IPV, utilizing the Domestic Violence Questionnaire, the Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction Scale, the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The findings supported the appropriate fit of the proposed model and revealed that basic psychological needs exerted significant direct and indirect effects on IPV victimization, mediated through self-esteem and ambivalent sexism. These results provide valuable new insights into the complex dynamics of IPV victimization and hold promise for the development of targeted interventions aimed at preventing IPV and supporting the well-being of affected individuals. Furthermore, the interpretation of the findings has been revised to avoid any implication of victim-blaming, aligning with the aim of understanding and addressing the structural factors contributing to IPV victimization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kourosh Mohammadi
- Department of Counseling, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Giwa A, Kandemiri M, Tulli-Shah M, Sayadi G, Hurley N, Salami B. Impacts of COVID-19 on Intimate Partner Violence Service Provision. Violence Against Women 2024:10778012241257251. [PMID: 38803295 DOI: 10.1177/10778012241257251] [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: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
COVID-19 policies like stay-at-home orders impacted intimate partner violence (IPV) service provision in Alberta. Using intersectionality and qualitative semi-structured interviews, this article situates IPV and access to services and supports within multiple overlapping factors such as race, gender, class, and ethnic minority status. Two main themes were identified. First, the challenges within IPV service provision reflect the sectors' traditional and binary understanding and response to violence. Second, the move to virtual services brought challenges related to access to telecommunication facilities and zoom fatigue. Thematic analysis also shows the impact of the pandemic in a sector with existing structural/institutional challenges. We conclude by recommending a multi-level intersectional approach to IPV service provision in Alberta.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aisha Giwa
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Myra Kandemiri
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Mia Tulli-Shah
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ghada Sayadi
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Nat Hurley
- Department of English and Film Studies, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bukola Salami
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Luetke M, Kristiansen D. The Effect of Economic Reliance, Stress, and Women's Employment Status on Intimate Partner Violence Risk Among Partnered Women in Burkina Faso and Kenya. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024:8862605241243342. [PMID: 38622889 DOI: 10.1177/08862605241243342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Economic factors, such as economic reliance on male partners, and economic stressors such as household income or employment loss, play an important role in the risk of intimate partner violence (IPV) within romantic partnerships. To investigate these relationships, we used survey data from IPUMS Performance Monitoring for Action that were collected in 2020 and 2021. We assessed the relationship between several economic factors-(1) women's economic reliance on their partners, (2) household income loss, and (3) respondent's employment status over the past year-and experience of IPV in the past year in Burkina Faso (N = 2,646) and Kenya (N = 3,416). Women who reported being economically reliant on their partners were less likely to experience physical or psychological violence in Burkina Faso (Prevalence ratio [PR]: 0.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26-0.64 and PR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.59-0.94, respectively), and physical violence in Kenya (PR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.52-0.90) compared to women who reported not being economically reliant. In Kenya, women in households that experienced a complete loss of income were more likely to experience IPV compared to households that did not experience income loss-1.9 times more likely to experience psychological violence, and three times more likely to experience sexual violence. In Burkina Faso, no significant relationship was found between household income loss and IPV. Our findings indicate that both relative economic empowerment and overall economic stress may act as important risk factors for IPV, particularly where patriarchal and gender inequitable norms are relevant. These findings reinforce the need for a nuanced and intersectional understanding of IPV risk and intervention development, with the relationships between economic dynamics and IPV varying across countries and contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maya Luetke
- Institute for Social Research and Data Innovation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | - Devon Kristiansen
- Institute for Social Research and Data Innovation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Halder P, Pal U, Ganguly A, Ghosh P, Malakar MG, Guha N, Gami C, Ghosh S. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Psychosocial Attributes of Indian Families Bearing Child With Down Syndrome: A Survey by Trisomy 21 Research Society (T21RS), Indian Chapter. Asia Pac J Public Health 2024:10105395241240954. [PMID: 38519483 DOI: 10.1177/10105395241240954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Pinku Halder
- Cytogenetics and Genomics and Down Syndrome Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
- ICM Institute for Brain and Spinal Cord, Hôpital Pitié, Paris, France
| | - Upamanyu Pal
- Cytogenetics and Genomics and Down Syndrome Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Agnish Ganguly
- Cytogenetics and Genomics and Down Syndrome Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| | - Papiya Ghosh
- Department of Zoology, Bijoykrishna Girls' College, Howrah, India
| | | | - Nitasha Guha
- Central Kolkata Welfare Association for Persons with Down Syndrome, Kolkata, India
| | - Chaitali Gami
- Central Kolkata Welfare Association for Persons with Down Syndrome, Kolkata, India
| | - Sujay Ghosh
- Cytogenetics and Genomics and Down Syndrome Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Woofter R, Mboya J, Golub G, Sudhinaraset M. Intimate partner violence and postpartum healthcare access in Kenya: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:168. [PMID: 38409006 PMCID: PMC10898132 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06342-0] [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: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intimate partner violence (IPV) impacts physical health, mental health, and healthcare use. IPV during pregnancy, in particular, is associated with lower rates of antenatal care, but no studies have assessed the association between IPV and postpartum healthcare. This study aims to examine the link between IPV (emotional, physical, and sexual) and two outcomes: postpartum healthcare use and access to family planning. METHODS This study uses data from a cross-sectional survey of 859 women in Nairobi and Kiambu counties in Kenya who gave birth during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. RESULTS In this sample, 36% of women reported ever experiencing IPV. Of those, 33% indicated the frequency of IPV stayed the same or increased during COVID-19. Nearly 17% of women avoided postpartum healthcare and 10% experienced issues accessing family planning. Those who experienced any form of IPV during pregnancy had approximately twice the odds of avoiding postpartum healthcare compared to those who did not experience any form of IPV. Compared to those who did not experience IPV during pregnancy, experiencing sexual IPV was associated with 2.25 times higher odds of reporting issues accessing family planning. Additionally, reporting fair or poor self-rated health was associated with both avoiding postpartum healthcare and reporting issues accessing family planning. Experiencing food insecurity was also associated with avoiding postpartum healthcare. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, this is the first study to establish the link between IPV during pregnancy and postpartum healthcare access. During COVID-19 in Kenya, postpartum women who had experienced IPV were at increased risk of disengagement with healthcare services. Women should be screened for IPV during pregnancy and postpartum in order to better support their healthcare needs. In times of crisis, such as pandemics, policymakers and healthcare providers must address barriers to healthcare for postpartum women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Woofter
- Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, 650 Charles E. Young Dr. S, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - John Mboya
- Innovations for Poverty Action, New York, USA
| | | | - May Sudhinaraset
- Fielding School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, 650 Charles E. Young Dr. S, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Amberson T, Heagele T, Wyte-Lake T, Couig MP, Bell SA, Mammen MJ, Wells V, Castner J. Social support, educational, and behavioral modification interventions for improving household disaster preparedness in the general community-dwelling population: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1257714. [PMID: 38596429 PMCID: PMC11003604 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1257714] [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: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The efficacy of household emergency preparedness interventions for community-dwelling, non-institutionalized people is largely unknown. Objective To ascertain the state of the science on social support, educational, and behavioral modification interventions to improve all-hazard household disaster preparedness. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods Databases, trial registers, reports, and websites were searched, and citation trails followed utilizing replicable methods. Individual, cluster, and cross-over randomized controlled trials of non-institutionalized, community-dwelling populations and non-randomized controlled trials, controlled before-after, and program evaluation studies were included. At least two review authors independently screened each potentially relevant study for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane's RoB2 tool for randomized studies and ROBINS-I tool for nonrandomized studies. Meta-analyses were applied using a random-effects model. Where meta-analysis was not indicated, results were synthesized using summary statistics of intervention effect estimates and vote counting based on effect direction. The evidence was rated using GRADE. Results 17 studies were included with substantial methodological and clinical diversity. No intervention effect was observed for preparedness supplies (OR = 6.12, 95% 0.13 to 284.37) or knowledge (SMD = 0.96, 95% CI -0.15 to 2.08) outcomes. A small positive effect (SMD = 0.53, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.91) was observed for preparedness behaviors, with very low certainty of evidence. No studies reported adverse effects from the interventions. Conclusion Research designs elucidating the efficacy of practical yet complex and multi- faceted social support, educational, and behavioral modification interventions present substantial methodological challenges where rigorous study design elements may not match the contextual public health priority needs and resources where interventions were delivered. While the overall strength of the evidence was evaluated as low to very low, we acknowledge the valuable and informative work of the included studies. The research represents the seminal work in this field and provides an important foundation for the state of the science of household emergency preparedness intervention effectiveness and efficacy. The findings are relevant to disaster preparedness practice and research, and we encourage researchers to continue this line of research, using these studies and this review to inform ongoing improvements in study designs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taryn Amberson
- Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Tara Heagele
- Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing, Hunter College, The City University of New York, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Tamar Wyte-Lake
- Veterans Emergency Management Evaluation Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Family Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Mary Pat Couig
- College of Nursing, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Sue Anne Bell
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | | | - Valerie Wells
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Castner
- Castner Incorporated, Grand Island, NY, United States
- University at Albany School of Public Health, Albany, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lyzwinski LN. Organizational and occupational health issues with working remotely during the pandemic: a scoping review of remote work and health. J Occup Health 2024; 66:uiae005. [PMID: 38289710 PMCID: PMC11069417 DOI: 10.1093/joccuh/uiae005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 global pandemic created unprecedented challenges for workers whose work was transferred to the home setting. Little is presently known about the benefits and the challenges associated with global remote work on well-being and mental health, work-life balance, job satisfaction, productivity, home office adaptability, and gender equality. METHODS A scoping review of PubMed/Medline was undertaken in October 2021 to better understand these broad dimensions associated with remote worker health, well-being, and the home office workspace. The review focused on white-collar workers who undertook remote work during each of the lockdown waves from March 2020 to 2021. RESULTS A total of 62 studies were included in the review, which spanned Asia, North America, South America, and Europe. Overall, workers seemed to enjoy remote work, but productivity varied. The main setbacks associated with remote work included feelings of isolation and loneliness, which negatively influenced well-being. Social support from management and contact with colleagues mitigated this. Leadership style also influenced remote worker well-being. Overall, women suffered from lower levels of remote work well-being and productivity, especially if they had children. The home office and its adaptability were integral for successful remote work. Work-life balance was affected in some workers who struggled with heavier workloads or family duties. CONCLUSIONS To promote well-being and successful remote work, isolation and loneliness should be reduced through greater contact with colleagues and managers. Managers should promote family friendly policies that may support work-life balance and reduce gender inequities in remote work.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lynnette-Natalia Lyzwinski
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, Lady Davis Institute, McGill Medical School, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hardeberg Bach M, Ahrens C, Olff M, Armour C, Krogh SS, Hansen M. EHealth for Sexual Assault: A Systematic Scoping Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:102-116. [PMID: 36632639 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221143355] [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: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Providing efficient psychosocial support for survivors of sexual assault is of critical societal importance. Around the globe, technology-based solutions (eHealth) are increasingly being used to accomplish this task, especially following COVID-19. Despite increased importance and reliance on eHealth for sexual assault, minimal efforts have been made to systematically synthesize research in this area. The present study therefore sought to synthesize what is known about eHealth targeting sexual assault survivors' psychosocial needs using a systematic scoping review methodology. To this end, five databases (CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Scopus) were systematically searched for studies published from 2010 onwards using terms such as "sexual assault", "eHealth", "digital health", "telehealth", and variations thereof. Of the 6,491 records screened for eligibility, 85 studies were included in the review. We included empirical studies from all countries pertaining to eHealth for sexual assault for survivors 13 years or older. Many innovative eHealth applications for sexual assault exist today, and the included studies suggested that survivors generally experience eHealth positively and seem to benefit from it. Nevertheless, much more clinical and empirical work is needed to ensure accessible and effective solutions for all.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maj Hansen
- University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bitna Kim
- Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA
| | - Meghan Royle
- Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Leite FMC, Venturin B, Eduarda Portes Ribeiro L, De Paula Silva R, Luis Alves M, Wehrmeister FC, Santos DF. Intimate partner violence against women during covid-19: A population-based study in Vitória, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295340. [PMID: 38117789 PMCID: PMC10732366 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295340] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Violence against women has a negative impact on multiple dimensions of women's health. During the Covid-19 pandemic, intimate partner violence against women has continued, and in some contexts has intensified. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of intimate partner violence against women during covid-19 pandemic and its association with socioeconomic, behavioral, and life-experience factors. METHODS AND FINDINGS Cross-sectional, population-based study conducted in the municipality of Vitória, state of Espírito Santo, from January to May 2022, where 1,086 women aged 18 years and over were interviewed. The World Health Organization (WHO) instrument on violence against women was used to screen outcomes. The prevalence of violence during the pandemic (psychological, physical, and sexual) and bivariate analysis with sociodemographic, behavioral, family, and life history characteristics of women were estimated. The multivariate analysis was carried out for each type of violence, the Poisson regression model was performed with an estimate of robust variance, inserting the variables of interest with (p<0.20). Those with p<0.05 remained in the adjusted model. RESULTS The prevalence of violence psychological against women perpetrated by an intimate partner during the pandemic was the most frequent (20.2%), followed by physical (9.0%) and sexual violence (6.5%). Women with less schooling and who were single had a higher prevalence of physical and psychological violence, as did those with a history of sexual abuse in childhood and whose mothers had been beaten by their intimate partners. Sexual violence was more prevalent among non-white, with up to eight years of schooling, whose mothers had a history of intimate partner violence, and who consumed alcohol during four days or more (p<0.01). CONCLUSION Psychological, physical, and sexual violence perpetrated by the intimate partner during the pandemic presented high magnitude among women living in Vitória. Sociodemographic, behavioral factors, and personal and maternal experiences of violence were associated with the phenomenon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruna Venturin
- Postgraduate Program in Epidemiology, Federal University of Pelotas, Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Luiza Eduarda Portes Ribeiro
- Postgraduate Program in Collective Health, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Ranielle De Paula Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Collective Health, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | - Mayara Luis Alves
- Postgraduate Program in Collective Health, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil
| | | | - Dherik Fraga Santos
- Department of Medicine, Federal University of Catalão, Catalão, Goiás, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prachi H Bhuptani
- Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, USA
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
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.
Collapse
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
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hartmann M, Giovenco D, Zeebari Z, Itzikowitz G, Ekström AM, Nielsen A, Pettifor A, Bekker LG, Kågesten AE. Associations between psychosocial wellbeing and experience of gender-based violence at community, household, and intimate-partner levels among a cross-sectional cohort of young people living with and without HIV during COVID-19 in Cape Town, South Africa. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2115. [PMID: 37891509 PMCID: PMC10612288 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16945-5] [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: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing evidence indicates that gender-based violence (GBV) increased during COVID-19. We investigated self-reported impact of the pandemic on GBV at community, household and intimate partner (IPV) levels among young people and its associations with psychosocial wellbeing, i.e., COVID-related stressors and mental health. METHODS Cross-sectional data were drawn from a survey with young people ages 13-24 (N = 536) living with HIV (YPLWH) and without HIV (YPLWoH), in peri-urban Cape Town, South Africa. The survey, conducted February-October 2021, examined the impact of the initial lockdown on experience and perceived changes in GBV at each level, and pandemic-related psychosocial wellbeing. Descriptive statistics and binomial and multinomial regression analyses were conducted to illustrate exposure and perceived changes in GBV since lockdown, and their association with COVID-related stress factors (e.g., social isolation, anxiety about COVID), mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety), and other risk factors (e.g., age, gender, socioeconomic status) by HIV status. RESULTS Participants were 70% women with mean age 19 years; 40% were living with HIV. Since lockdown, YPLWoH were significantly more likely than YPLWH to perceive community violence as increasing (45% vs. 28%, p < 0.001), and to report household violence (37% vs. 23%, p = 0.006) and perceive it as increasing (56% vs. 27%, p = 0.002) (ref: decreasing violence). YPLWoH were also more likely to report IPV experience (19% vs. 15%, p = 0.41) and perception of IPV increasing (15% vs. 8%, p = 0.92). In adjusted models, COVID-related stressors and common mental health disorders were only associated with household violence. However, indicators of economic status such as living in informal housing (RRR = 2.07; 95% CI = 1.12-3.83) and food insecurity (Community violence: RRR = 1.79; 95% CI = 1.00-3.20; Household violence: RRR = 1.72; 95% CI = 1.15-2.60) emerged as significant risk factors for exposure to increased GBV particularly among YPLWoH. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that for young people in this setting, GBV at community and household levels was more prevalent during COVID-19 compared to IPV, especially for YPLWoH. While we found limited associations between COVID-related stressors and GBV, the perceived increases in GBV since lockdown in a setting where GBV is endemic, and the association of household violence with mental health, is a concern for future pandemic responses and should be longitudinally assessed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Hartmann
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Women's Global Health Imperative, RTI International, Berkely, CA, USA.
| | - Danielle Giovenco
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Zangin Zeebari
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Jönköping International Business School, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Gina Itzikowitz
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anna Mia Ekström
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Infectious Diseases, South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Nielsen
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Audrey Pettifor
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Linda-Gail Bekker
- Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Anna E Kågesten
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ryan RE, Silke C, Parkhill A, Virgona A, Merner B, Hurley S, Walsh L, de Moel-Mandel C, Schonfeld L, Edwards AG, Kaufman J, Cooper A, Chung RKY, Solo K, Hellard M, Di Tanna GL, Pedrana A, Saich F, Hill S. Communication to promote and support physical distancing for COVID-19 prevention and control. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 10:CD015144. [PMID: 37811673 PMCID: PMC10561351 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd015144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This review is an update of a rapid review undertaken in 2020 to identify relevant, feasible and effective communication approaches to promote acceptance, uptake and adherence to physical distancing measures for COVID-19 prevention and control. The rapid review was published when little was known about transmission, treatment or future vaccination, and when physical distancing measures (isolation, quarantine, contact tracing, crowd avoidance, work and school measures) were the cornerstone of public health responses globally. This updated review includes more recent evidence to extend what we know about effective pandemic public health communication. This includes considerations of changes needed over time to maintain responsiveness to pandemic transmission waves, the (in)equities and variable needs of groups within communities due to the pandemic, and highlights again the critical role of effective communication as integral to the public health response. OBJECTIVES To update the evidence on the question 'What are relevant, feasible and effective communication approaches to promote acceptance, uptake and adherence to physical distancing measures for COVID-19 prevention and control?', our primary focus was communication approaches to promote and support acceptance, uptake and adherence to physical distancing. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE to explore and identify key elements of effective communication for physical distancing measures for different (diverse) populations and groups. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases from inception, with searches for this update including the period 1 January 2020 to 18 August 2021. Systematic review and study repositories and grey literature sources were searched in August 2021 and guidelines identified for the eCOVID19 Recommendations Map were screened (November 2021). SELECTION CRITERIA Guidelines or reviews focusing on communication (information, education, reminders, facilitating decision-making, skills acquisition, supporting behaviour change, support, involvement in decision-making) related to physical distancing measures for prevention and/or control of COVID-19 or selected other diseases (sudden acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), influenza, Ebola virus disease (EVD) or tuberculosis (TB)) were included. New evidence was added to guidelines, reviews and primary studies included in the 2020 review. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Methods were based on the original rapid review, using methods developed by McMaster University and informed by Cochrane rapid review guidance. Screening, data extraction, quality assessment and synthesis were conducted by one author and checked by a second author. Synthesis of results was conducted using modified framework analysis, with themes from the original review used as an initial framework. MAIN RESULTS This review update includes 68 studies, with 17 guidelines and 20 reviews added to the original 31 studies. Synthesis identified six major themes, which can be used to inform policy and decision-making related to planning and implementing communication about a public health emergency and measures to protect the community. Theme 1: Strengthening public trust and countering misinformation: essential foundations for effective public health communication Recognising the key role of public trust is essential. Working to build and maintain trust over time underpins the success of public health communications and, therefore, the effectiveness of public health prevention measures. Theme 2: Two-way communication: involving communities to improve the dissemination, accessibility and acceptability of information Two-way communication (engagement) with the public is needed over the course of a public health emergency: at first, recognition of a health threat (despite uncertainties), and regularly as public health measures are introduced or adjusted. Engagement needs to be embedded at all stages of the response and inform tailoring of communications and implementation of public health measures over time. Theme 3: Development of and preparation for public communication: target audience, equity and tailoring Communication and information must be tailored to reach all groups within populations, and explicitly consider existing inequities and the needs of disadvantaged groups, including those who are underserved, vulnerable, from diverse cultural or language groups, or who have lower educational attainment. Awareness that implementing public health measures may magnify existing or emerging inequities is also needed in response planning, enactment and adjustment over time. Theme 4: Public communication features: content, timing and duration, delivery Public communication needs to be based on clear, consistent, actionable and timely (up-to-date) information about preventive measures, including the benefits (whether for individual, social groupings or wider society), harms (likewise) and rationale for use, and include information about supports available to help follow recommended measures. Communication needs to occur through multiple channels and/or formats to build public trust and reach more of the community. Theme 5: Supporting behaviour change at individual and population levels Supporting implementation of public health measures with practical supports and services (e.g. essential supplies, financial support) is critical. Information about available supports must be widely disseminated and well understood. Supports and communication related to them require flexibility and tailoring to explicitly consider community needs, including those of vulnerable groups. Proactively monitoring and countering stigma related to preventive measures (e.g. quarantine) is also necessary to support adherence. Theme 6: Fostering and sustaining receptiveness and responsiveness to public health communication Efforts to foster and sustain public receptiveness and responsiveness to public health communication are needed throughout a public health emergency. Trust, acceptance and behaviours change over time, and communication needs to be adaptive and responsive to these changing needs. Ongoing community engagement efforts should inform communication and public health response measures. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Implications for practice Evidence highlights the critical role of communication throughout a public health emergency. Like any intervention, communication can be done well or poorly, but the consequences of poor communication during a pandemic may mean the difference between life and death. The approaches to effective communication identified in this review can be used by policymakers and decision-makers, working closely with communication teams, to plan, implement and adjust public communications over the course of a public health emergency like the COVID-19 pandemic. Implications for research Despite massive growth in research during the COVID-19 period, gaps in the evidence persist and require high-quality, meaningful research. This includes investigating the experiences of people at heightened COVID-19 risk, and identifying barriers to implementing public communication and protective health measures particular to lower- and middle-income countries, and how to overcome these.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Ryan
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Charlotte Silke
- UNESCO Child & Family Research Centre, School of Political Science & Sociology, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Anne Parkhill
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Ariane Virgona
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Bronwen Merner
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Shauna Hurley
- Cochrane Australia, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Louisa Walsh
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- Department of Nursing and Allied Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Lina Schonfeld
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Adrian Gk Edwards
- Wales COVID-19 Evidence Centre, Cardiff University, 8th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN , UK
- PRIME Centre Wales, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, 8th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | - Jessica Kaufman
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- Vaccine Uptake Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute , The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Australia
| | - Alison Cooper
- Wales COVID-19 Evidence Centre, Cardiff University, 8th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN , UK
- PRIME Centre Wales, Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, 8th floor Neuadd Meirionnydd, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK
| | | | - Karla Solo
- GRADE McMaster & Cochrane Canada, Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact, McMaster University , Hamilton, Ontario , Canada
| | | | - Gian Luca Di Tanna
- Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Lugano, Switzerland
- The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Sophie Hill
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jones AW. Bibliometric evaluation of Forensic Science International as a scholarly journal within the subject category legal medicine. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2023; 7:100438. [PMID: 37753217 PMCID: PMC10518441 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2023.100438] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
This article presents a bibliometric evaluation of Forensic Science International (FSI) as a scholarly journal within the "legal medicine" subject category. Citation data were retrieved from Science Citation Index (SCI) and Journal Citation Reports (JCR), both of which are part of the Web-of-Science (WOS) database. The most cited articles in FSI were identified along with the most prolific authors. The current journal impact factor (JIF) of FSI is 2.2, which was in good agreement with the 5-year JIF of 2.3. FSI was ranked fourth among 17 journals within the legal medicine subject category. Since 1979, a total of 209 FSI articles were cited over 100 times and the H-index for times cited was 125. Although widely used in academia, bibliometric methods might also prove useful in jurisprudence, such as when evaluating the research and publications of people proposed as expert witnesses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan Wayne Jones
- Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Linköping, Linköping, SE-58183, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Burd C, McLean I, MacGregor JCD, Mantler T, Veenendaal J, Wathen CN. "Our services are not the same": the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on care interactions in women's shelters. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:427. [PMID: 37568155 PMCID: PMC10422783 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02541-7] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Guidelines and regulations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly impacted the health care sector. We explore these impacts in the gender-based violence (GBV) services sector and, more specifically, in the context of women's shelters. METHODS Using an interpretive description and integrated knowledge mobilization approach, we interviewed 8 women's shelter clients, 26 staff, and conducted focus groups with 24 Executive Directors. RESULTS We found that pandemic responses challenged longstanding values that guide work in women's shelters, specifically feminist and anti-oppressive practices. Physical distancing, masking, and closure of communal spaces intended to slow or stop the spread of the novel coronavirus created barriers to the provision of care, made it difficult to maintain or create positive connections with and among women and children, and re-traumatized some women and children. Despite these challenges, staff and leaders were creative in their attempts to provide quality care, though these efforts, including workarounds, were not without their own challenges. CONCLUSIONS This research highlights the need to tailor crisis response to sector-specific realities that support service values and standards of care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Burd
- Faculty of Information and Media Studies, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, N6A 5B7, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Isobel McLean
- School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | - Tara Mantler
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jill Veenendaal
- Faculty of Information and Media Studies, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, N6A 5B7, London, ON, Canada
| | - C Nadine Wathen
- Mobilizing Knowledge on Gender-Based Violence, Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Majeed-Ariss R, Smith DM, Mohamed L, Wood L, White C. The impact of COVID19 pandemic and government enforced lockdowns on levels of attendance and context of sexual assaults reported at Saint Marys Sexual Assault Referral Centre. J Forensic Leg Med 2023; 97:102550. [PMID: 37331248 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2023.102550] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Globally, government enforced lockdowns were one measure introduced to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. The impact of these social movement restrictions on victims of sexual assault and their access of sexual assault services needed clarity. This study aimed to understand the impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns on: Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC) attendance; characteristics of clients; characteristics of alleged perpetrators and nature of sexual assaults. Routinely collected data from the Saint Mary's SARC in the North West of England over two financial years, April 2019-March 2020 (pre-COVID-19) and April 2020-March 2021 (during COVID-19), were analysed. Compared to the pre COVID-19 year, monthly SARC attendance for children and adults decreased during national lockdowns and increased as restrictions lifted. Ethnicity of clients was significantly different during COVID-19 with more South Asian adults and more bi-racial children attending. Attendance of adults aged over 57 years also significantly increased during COVID-19. A significant increase in adults meeting alleged perpetrators online and a significant decrease in alleged perpetrators being a sex worker client were also identified. Finally, a significant increase in not-recorded data for health characteristics of adult and child clients was noted. While this study has illuminated some changes in the vulnerability profile of clients attending SARC during COVID-19 and its associated lockdowns, it has also highlighted shortcomings in changes to usual care introduced in the challenging and changing context of a global pandemic. These findings in parallel usefully recommend areas in need of service improvement.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rabiya Majeed-Ariss
- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, York Place, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.
| | - Debbie M Smith
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Health Sciences, Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Laila Mohamed
- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, York Place, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Lauren Wood
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, School of Medical Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Catherine White
- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, York Place, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK; Institute for Addressing Strangulation Sexual Offences, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sarı Doğan F, Öztürk TC. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on forensic cases admitted to an emergency department. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023; 19:169-174. [PMID: 36520378 PMCID: PMC9753859 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-022-00565-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The COVID-19 disease has given rise to various negative effects on human life in terms of health and economic and social well-being. We believe that these negative effects may have led to increased forensic incidents such as violence and suicide. Therefore, in this study, we sought to examine the effects of COVID-19 in forensic cases admitted to an emergency department. Methods: This is a retrospective observational study, performed at the emergency department of Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Research Hospital. Forensic cases admitted between March and June 2020 (pandemic period) and forensic cases admitted between March and June 2019 (pre-pandemic period) were compared in the study. Results: A total of 4296 patients were included in the study, of which 3011 were admitted during the pre-pandemic period and 1285 during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the percentages of suicide attempts (3.6%), motorcycle traffic accidents (7.4%), and violent incidents (29.4%) were higher during the pandemic period, the percentages of in-vehicle traffic accidents (5.4%) and pedestrian traffic accidents (2.2%) were lower (respectively, p = 0.035, p = 0.005, p < 0.001, p = 0.015, p = 0.008). At the time of the pandemic, the percentages of incidents of violence against women (44.2%) and traffic accidents with a motorcycle involving men (9.3%) were higher than during the time before the pandemic (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The effects of the pandemic on our lifestyle are indisputable. This study reveals that the pandemic also affected patients who were admitted to the emergency department for forensic reasons. In addition, the increase in the percentages of suicide and violent events indicates that pandemics probably increase feelings of fear, loss, and hopelessness, and special precautions should be taken to maintain order in the society.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Sarı Doğan
- Emergency Medicine Clinic, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Tuba Cimilli Öztürk
- Emergency Medicine Clinic, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Duong CB, Van Tran N, Nguyen AH, Le TN, Ha BH, Do CNP, Huynh K, Le TM, Nguyen TP, Nguyen HTT. Impacts of COVID-19 crisis and some related factors on the mental health of 37150 Vietnamese students: a cross-sectional online study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:445. [PMID: 36882752 PMCID: PMC9990976 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15317-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND University students are vulnerable to changes due to COVID-19 pandemic. Although warning has been made about the impact of this crisis on students' mental health, there are barely any sufficient study. This work investigated how the pandemic affected the mental health of students at the Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCMC) and efficiency of available mental health supportive methods. METHODS An online survey was conducted among students at Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCMC) from October 18, 2021, to October 25, 2021. Microsoft Excel 16.51 (Microsoft, USA) and R language, Epi packages 2.44 and 4.1.1 (rdrr.io) were used for data analysis. RESULTS Thirty-seven thousand one hundred fifty students participated in the survey, including 48.4% female and 51.6% male. Online learning pressure was mainly recorded (65.1%). Many students suffered from sleeping disorders (56.2%). Some reported being victims of abuse (5.9%). Female students expressed a significantly higher level of distress than males, particularly the feeling of ambiguity about the purpose of life (p-value < 0.0001, OR: 0.94, 95% CI: [0.95-0.98]). Third-year students suffered higher stress levels than others, especially in online learning (68.8%, p-value < 0.05). Mental health statuses among students of different lockdown status regions were not significantly different. Therefore, lockdown status did not affect the stress levels of students which suggested that poor mental health outcomes seemed to root in the suspension of everyday university life rather than the prohibition of going out. CONCLUSIONS During COVID-19, students experienced lots of stress and mental problems. These findings underscore the importance of academic and innovative activities, bringing attention to the needs of interactive study and extra-curricular activities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chau Bao Duong
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nhi Van Tran
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - An Hoang Nguyen
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thong Nhat Le
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Research Center for Infectious Diseases, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Bien Huy Ha
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Chau Ngoc Phuc Do
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Research Center for Infectious Diseases, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Khon Huynh
- Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Research Center for Infectious Diseases, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,School of Biomedical Engineering, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thong Minh Le
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Research Center for Infectious Diseases, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thao Phuong Nguyen
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.,Research Center for Infectious Diseases, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Hoai Thi Thu Nguyen
- School of Biotechnology, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. .,Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. .,Research Center for Infectious Diseases, International University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Gunshot injuries in Campania (Italy): A retrospective thirty-years (1981-2011) study. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2023; 62:102209. [PMID: 36848711 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102209] [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: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
From 1981 to 2011, 200 firearm deaths were autopsied in Naples, at the Institute of Legal Medicine of the University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli". 188 cases were homicides and most of them (116) were related to the local organized crime. The majority of victims were young Italian males in the 20-39 age fired in outdoor environments. The reason for choosing outdoor environments can be related to the opportunity for the killer run from the crime scene immediately after the murder. Only 11 of the bodies autopsied were suicide victims, mostly older individuals, over 50 years -old with history of mental illness. All the suicides occurred in indoor environments in order to protect their domestic intimacy. Only two female victims were accounted in this historical series which is quite impressive if compared to recent phenomenon of feminicides occurring mostly in domestic environments. A total of 772 entry wounds were observed: 658 fired from single-charge handguns and 114 from multiple-charge firearms. 9x21 pistol cartridge was the most common ammo used, followed by the 7.65 Parabellum. The head was the most common anatomical site injured (in 81.8% of the suicides cases and in 68.6% of homicides). Most of the victims of homicide died before arriving at an Emergency Service. Only a minority of victims lived from few hours up to less than a week, after being shot, and very few victims remained alive up to a couple of months.
Collapse
|
25
|
Avalos LA, Ray GT, Alexeeff SE, Adams SR, Does MB, Watson C, Young-Wolff KC. Association of the COVID-19 Pandemic With Unstable and/or Unsafe Living Situations and Intimate Partner Violence Among Pregnant Individuals. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e230172. [PMID: 36811863 PMCID: PMC9947729 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance The social, behavioral, and economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic may be associated with unstable and/or unsafe living situations and intimate partner violence (IPV) among pregnant individuals. Objective To investigate trends in unstable and/or unsafe living situations and IPV among pregnant individuals prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design, Setting, and Participants A cross-sectional population-based interrupted time-series analysis was conducted among Kaiser Permanente Northern California members who were pregnant and screened for unstable and/or unsafe living situation and IPV as part of standard prenatal care between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2020. Exposures COVID-19 pandemic (prepandemic period: January 1, 2019, to March 31, 2020; during pandemic period: April 1 to December 31, 2020). Main Outcomes and Measures The 2 outcomes were unstable and/or unsafe living situations and IPV. Data were extracted from electronic health records. Interrupted time-series models were fit and adjusted for age and race and ethnicity. Results The study sample included 77 310 pregnancies (74 663 individuals); 27.4% of the individuals were Asian or Pacific Islander, 6.5% were Black, 29.0% were Hispanic, 32.3% were non-Hispanic White, and 4.8% were other/unknown/multiracial, with a mean (SD) age of 30.9 (5.3) years. Across the 24-month study period there was an increasing trend in the standardized rate of unsafe and/or unstable living situations (2.2%; rate ratio [RR], 1.022; 95% CI, 1.016-1.029 per month) and IPV (4.9%; RR, 1.049; 95% CI, 1.021-1.078 per month). The ITS model indicated a 38% increase (RR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.13-1.69) in the first month of the pandemic for unsafe and/or unstable living situation, with a return to the overall trend afterward for the study period. For IPV, the interrupted time-series model suggested an increase of 101% (RR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.20-3.37) in the first 2 months of the pandemic. Conclusions and Relevance This cross-sectional study noted an overall increase in unstable and/or unsafe living situations and IPV over the 24-month period, with a temporary increase associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. It may be useful for emergency response plans to include IPV safeguards for future pandemics. These findings suggest the need for prenatal screening for unsafe and/or unstable living situations and IPV coupled with referral to appropriate support services and preventive interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lyndsay A. Avalos
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland
| | - G. Thomas Ray
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland
| | | | - Sara R. Adams
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland
| | - Monique B. Does
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland
| | - Carey Watson
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente, Antioch Medical Center, Antioch, California
| | - Kelly C. Young-Wolff
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Imaging and Non-imaging Findings of Intimate Partner Violence on the Trauma Service: A Retrospective Analysis of Two Level 1 Trauma Centers. Acad Radiol 2023; 30:312-321. [PMID: 35597753 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2022.04.012] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health issue. This study aims to characterize IPV-related injuries in trauma patients presenting to emergency departments (ED) who required hospitalization. MATERIALS AND METHODS Trauma registries of two Level 1 trauma centers were searched for assault-related ED visits by adults reporting "abuse" over 3 and 5 years to identify IPV victims. Imaging and electronic medical records were reviewed for demographics, injury type, hospital stay, and previous or subsequent presentations for presumed IPV. RESULTS Twenty-nine of 18,465 (0.2%) individuals seen on the trauma service had reported IPV. Majority were women (90%, mean age 37) and Caucasian (69%), over 50% had psychiatric or substance use comorbidities, and 45% reported prior IPV. Blunt trauma (22/29) was more common than penetrating trauma. Soft tissue injuries dominated when including both radiologic and non-radiologic findings. Excluding two patients who were not imaged, most frequent injuries identified on imaging were to the head/face (14/27), followed by the chest (9/27; mainly rib fractures), upper extremity and abdomen (7/27 each). All spinal fractures involved the upper lumbar spine. Synchronous injuries to multiple body regions were common, particularly craniofacial and upper extremity. Twenty-eight of 29 patients scored a grade 3-4 on the IPV severity grading scale. Eight (28%) patients required intensive care unit -level care. One patient passed. Four (14%) patients had prior IPV-related ED presentations. CONCLUSION While craniofacial and soft tissue injuries dominate, IPV can also result in serious thoracoabdominal, extremity and spinal injuries, even death. Multisystem injuries are common with synchronous craniofacial and upper extremity injuries being the most common combination.
Collapse
|
27
|
Kamali K, Maleki A, Yazdi SAB, Faghihzadeh E, Hoseinzade Z, Hajibabaei M, Sharafi SE, Noorbala AA. The prevalence of violence and its association with mental health among the Iranian population in one year after the outbreak of COVID-19 disease. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:33. [PMID: 36639790 PMCID: PMC9839182 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04444-7] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 spread between and across nearly every country, with considerable negative health consequences. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of violence and its association with mental health among Iranians older than 15 years in 2020. METHODS Data was collected through National Mental Health Survey on 24,584 Iranians older than 15 years in 2020. were analyzed to determine the prevalence of violence and its association with mental health. Multi-stage sampling method was used, and data on demographic characteristics and domestic-social violence and mental health (GHQ-28) were collected. Data analysis was administered using descriptive statistics and a chi-square test at a 95% level. RESULTS The mean age of participants was 44.18 ± 16.4 years. The overall prevalence of domestic and social violence was 11.4% and 5.5%, respectively. Verbal violence was the most common type; with 61.8% and 66.8% for domestic and social violence, respectively. A suspected case of mental disorder, female gender, being younger than 25 years, living apart together, unemployment, low education, and history of COVID-19 infection presented a significant association with domestic and social violence (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION In comparison to the previous study in 2015, the prevalence of violence has increased. Therefore, domestic and social violence are the social concerns of Iranian society, indicating the necessity of appropriate interventions, particularly for those suspected of mental disorders and young women with low education levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koorosh Kamali
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Azam Maleki
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | | | - Elham Faghihzadeh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Zarrintaj Hoseinzade
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Marzieh Hajibabaei
- Psychosomatic Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Elham Sharafi
- Psychosomatic Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ali Noorbala
- Psychosomatic Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry and Psychology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Roozbeh Hospital, South Kargar AV., Tehran, 13185/1741 Iran
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Baste V, Haukenes I, Morken T, Moen BE, Alsaker K. Utilization of Norwegian crisis shelters before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. WOMEN'S HEALTH (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2023; 19:17455057231202405. [PMID: 37803914 PMCID: PMC10559705 DOI: 10.1177/17455057231202405] [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] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The measures introduced to control the COVID-19 pandemic, including lockdowns and physical distancing, exerted considerable influence on society. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to examine (1) the prevalence of people seeking Norwegian crisis shelters for domestic violence during the first period of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020) compared to the year before, (2) the demography and type of violence among first-time visitors and (3) to compare the utilization of the crisis shelters and characteristics of the users between shelters in the capital and the other shelters throughout Norway. DESIGN Observational study. METHOD The study was based on data from each crisis shelter in 2019 and 2020. Comparison between the 2 years were based on corresponding periods (12 March until 31 December) and analysed with t-test and chi-square tests. RESULTS Total use of crises centres, residential stays and daytime visits were lower during the pandemic (n = 7102) compared to the pre-pandemic period (n = 11 814). There was a shift from daytime visits to phone contacts when the restrictions were established. There was a higher proportion of residential stays versus daytime visits during the pandemic (21.5%) compared to the pre-pandemic period (15.4%) (p ⩽ 0.001). The proportion of first-time users was higher during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic period both for residents (52.4% vs 47.1%) and daytime visitors (10.9% vs 9.0%). Among first-time crisis shelter residents during the pandemic period, fewer reported having children at home compared to the pre-pandemic period. The background of the crisis-shelter users did not differ between the capital and rest of Norway, but the capital had relatively more residents with psychological violence and threats during the pandemic. CONCLUSION The utilization of Norwegian crisis shelters, especially daytime visits was lower during the pandemic. There was a shift in daytime contacts from visits to phone contact at the pandemic outbreak. To ensure that information about available crisis shelters reaches the total population, these shelters should be prepared for a higher volume of phone contacts in a future pandemic situation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valborg Baste
- National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| | - Inger Haukenes
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Research Unit for General Practice, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tone Morken
- National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bente E. Moen
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjersti Alsaker
- National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Welfare and Participation, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Clark RC, Desai B, Davidson EH. A Demographic Analysis of Craniomaxillofacial Trauma in the Era of COVID-19. Craniomaxillofac Trauma Reconstr 2022; 15:288-294. [PMID: 36387318 PMCID: PMC9647377 DOI: 10.1177/19433875211047037] [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: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Study Design Retrospective cohort study. Objective The challenges of COVID-19 could magnify socioeconomic vulnerability for craniomaxillofacial (CMF) trauma. This study compares subjects who presented with CMF fractures to a regional healthcare system during the pandemic with those in 2019. We hypothesized societal circumstances of 2020 would correlate with disproportionately more CMF fractures in vulnerable patients compared to pre-pandemic trends. Methods An IRB approved retrospective study of CMF fracture presentations in 2019 and 2020 was performed. Demographics, injury details, and management details were collected. A residence-based poverty index was calculated for each subject utilizing census data. Pre-pandemic and pandemic cases were compared to identify differences between cohorts. Results A large decrease in presentations was noted between pre-pandemic and pandemic cohorts. There was significantly greater poverty the pre-pandemic cohort as compared to the pandemic cohort (P = .026). Overall, there was a significant correlation between higher poverty and violent MOI (P < .001). This association was maintained pre-pandemic, (P = .001) but was insignificant in the pandemic cohort (P = .108). Difference between cohorts with respect to violent injury was non-significant (P = .559) with non-significant difference in demographics including age (P = .390), place of injury (P = .136), employment status (P = .905), insurance status (P = .580), marital status (P = .711), ethnicity (P = .068), and gender (P = .656). Management was not significantly different between cohorts including percent hospital admission (P = .396), surgical intervention (P = .120), and time to operation (P = .109). Conclusions Contrary to our hypothesis, this analysis indicates that the societal changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic did not magnify vulnerable populations. Some changes were noted including in volume of presentation, demographic distribution, and injury detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert C. Clark
- Case Western Reserve University School
of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Bijal Desai
- Case Western Reserve University School
of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Edward H. Davidson
- Department of Plastic &
Reconstructive Surgery, University Hospitals-Case Western Reserve University,
Cleveland, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Colombini M, Mayhew SH, García-Moreno C, d'Oliveira AF, Feder G, Bacchus LJ. Improving health system readiness to address violence against women and girls: a conceptual framework. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1429. [PMID: 36443825 PMCID: PMC9703415 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08826-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an increasing focus on readiness of health systems to respond to survivors of violence against women (VAW), a global human rights violation damaging women's health. Health system readiness focuses on how prepared healthcare systems and institutions, including providers and potential users, are to adopt changes brought about by the integration of VAW care into services. In VAW research, such assessment is often limited to individual provider readiness or facility-level factors that need to be strengthened, with less attention to health system dimensions. The paper presents a framework for health system readiness assessment to improve quality of care for intimate partner violence (IPV), which was tested in Brazil and Palestinian territories (oPT). METHODS Data synthesis of primary data from 43 qualitative interviews with healthcare providers and health managers in Brazil and oPT to explore readiness in health systems. RESULTS The application of the framework showed that it had significant added value in capturing system capabilities - beyond the availability of material and technical capacity - to encompass stakeholder values, confidence, motivation and connection with clients and communities. Our analysis highlighted two missing elements within the initial framework: client and community engagement and gender equality issues. Subsequently, the framework was finalised and organised around three levels of analysis: macro, meso and micro. The micro level highlighted the need to also consider how the system can sustainably involve and interact with clients (women) and communities to ensure and promote readiness for integrating (and participating in) change. Addressing cultural and gender norms around IPV and enhancing support and commitment from health managers was also shown to be necessary for a health system environment that enables the integration of IPV care. CONCLUSION The proposed framework helps identify a) system capabilities and pre-conditions for system readiness; b) system changes required for delivering quality care for IPV; and c) connections between and across system levels and capabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Claudia García-Moreno
- UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Gene Feder
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Zegarra-López AC, Luna-Victoria G, Romero-Montenegro D, Florentino-Santisteban B, Prieto-Molinari DE, Montoya-Cuadrao M. Prevalence and Predictors of Somatization in Peruvian Undergraduate Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15576. [PMID: 36497651 PMCID: PMC9739199 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315576] [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: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic had a strong impact on mental health. Multiple studies report the alarming prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress-related conditions due to the lockdown measures. Nevertheless, somatization has been an overlooked topic in current literature despite its strong relationship with most mental health conditions. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of somatic symptoms and their associated factors in a sample of 3218 undergraduate students from Lima, Peru. A cross-sectional design was carried out. The prevalence of somatic symptoms was measured with the PHQ-15. As predictors of somatic symptom severity, we included psychopathological (depression, anxiety, and stress), psychological (perceived social support, resilience, satisfaction with life, and academic self-efficacy), and sociodemographic (e.g., age, sex, employment status, relationship status, daily hours of sleep) variables. A generalized linear model from a binomial family and a logit link function were applied based on a Factor Score Regression approach, with half of the sample presenting moderate-to-severe somatic symptoms. Anxiety was the strongest predictor of somatic symptom severity, followed by academic self-efficacy. Significant differences were found regarding sex, relationship status, daily hours of sleep and COVID-19 risk-related variables. In conclusion, interventions on reducing anxiety and promoting academic self-efficacy may have a stronger impact on somatic symptom severity and should focus on more vulnerable specific demographic groups such as females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angel Christopher Zegarra-López
- Faculty of Psychology, Universidad de Lima, Lima 15023, Peru
- Grupo de Investigación en Psicología, Bienestar y Sociedad, Instituto de Investigación Científica, Universidad de Lima, Lima 15023, Peru
| | | | | | | | - Diego Eduardo Prieto-Molinari
- Faculty of Psychology, Universidad de Lima, Lima 15023, Peru
- Grupo de Investigación en Psicología, Bienestar y Sociedad, Instituto de Investigación Científica, Universidad de Lima, Lima 15023, Peru
| | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Paiva TT, Tavares SM, Silva PGND. Relacionamentos durante a quarentena: as justificativas para aceitar o abuso psicológico em mulheres. ACTUALIDADES EN PSICOLOGIA 2022. [DOI: 10.15517/ap.v36i133.45973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objetivo. Analisar o papel das atitudes frente a convivência conjugal durante o período da quarentena, como justificativa da relação entre as ideologias baseadas no tradicionalismo e a aceitação do abuso psicológico em mulheres. Método. Esta pesquisa é do tipo transversal e foi realizada de forma online com 260 mulheres oriundas de diferentes regiões do Brasil. Resultado. Os resultados demonstraram efeitos positivos e significativos (efeito indireto = .14; SE = .04; IC 95% .05; .22), sugerindo que as mulheres, que endossam mais ideologias tradicionalistas, utilizam mais justificativas, por meio da quarentena, e aceitam mais o abuso psicológico. Essa mesma relação ocorreu nas estratégias diretas e indiretas do abuso psicológico. Logo, este estudo apresentou evidências preliminares acerca de um possível reforçador do abuso psicológico.
Collapse
|
33
|
Elsaid NMAB, Shehata SA, Sayed HH, Mohammed HS, Abdel-Fatah ZF. Domestic violence against women during coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown in Egypt: a cross-sectional study. J Egypt Public Health Assoc 2022; 97:23. [PMID: 36372811 PMCID: PMC9659679 DOI: 10.1186/s42506-022-00117-1] [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: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While it is necessary to limit the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, efforts including social isolation, restricted travel, and school closures are anticipated to raise the probability of domestic violence (DV). This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, pattern, risk factors, and physical health outcomes of domestic violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenient sample. The data collection tool was based on Sect. 11 of the Egyptian Demographic Health Survey, 2014, which is designed to measure domestic violence. We used a Google form-designed questionnaire and distributed the link to social media platforms from May 2020 to June 2020 till the collection of the required sample of 388 completed questionnaires. RESULTS The prevalence of every form of DV was 31%. Emotional violence was the most prevalent (43.5%) followed by physical (38.9%) and sexual violence (17.5%). About 10.5% of women reported suffering from all types of violence. The husband was the most common perpetrator of DV. The determinants of ever experiencing any form of DV were low education level of women (OR = 7.3, 95% CI 2.8-18.8), unemployment (OR = 2.31, 95% CI 4-3.5), husband's use of alcohol or substance (OR = 14.4, 95% CI 4.1-50.2), and insufficient income (OR = 2.01, 95% CI 2-3.2). The most common health consequences of DV were injuries such as cuts, bruises, and aches. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of ever experiencing any form of DV was 31% which is considered high. Emotional violence was the most common whereas sexual violence was the least common. Identifying the risk factors of DV would support the development and implementation of preventive and screening programs for early identification and offering social support to the victims. Policies should be adopted for the early detection and protection of women suffering from violent behaviors. Access to adequate prompt support and health-care services is crucial in order to decrease the consequences of violence. It is necessary to implement alcohol or drug abuse interventions, preventive measures, and screening programs in families to reduce DV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noha M Abu Bakr Elsaid
- Department of Public Health, Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Fox Square, Ard El-gamayat, six building, flat 24, third district, Ismailia, 41511, Egypt.
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, King Salman International University, South Sinai, Egypt.
| | - Shaimaa A Shehata
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Haydy Hassan Sayed
- Department of Psychiatric and Neurological Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Heba Saber Mohammed
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Zeinab F Abdel-Fatah
- Department of Public Health, Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Fox Square, Ard El-gamayat, six building, flat 24, third district, Ismailia, 41511, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Maas AIR, Menon DK, Manley GT, Abrams M, Åkerlund C, Andelic N, Aries M, Bashford T, Bell MJ, Bodien YG, Brett BL, Büki A, Chesnut RM, Citerio G, Clark D, Clasby B, Cooper DJ, Czeiter E, Czosnyka M, Dams-O’Connor K, De Keyser V, Diaz-Arrastia R, Ercole A, van Essen TA, Falvey É, Ferguson AR, Figaji A, Fitzgerald M, Foreman B, Gantner D, Gao G, Giacino J, Gravesteijn B, Guiza F, Gupta D, Gurnell M, Haagsma JA, Hammond FM, Hawryluk G, Hutchinson P, van der Jagt M, Jain S, Jain S, Jiang JY, Kent H, Kolias A, Kompanje EJO, Lecky F, Lingsma HF, Maegele M, Majdan M, Markowitz A, McCrea M, Meyfroidt G, Mikolić A, Mondello S, Mukherjee P, Nelson D, Nelson LD, Newcombe V, Okonkwo D, Orešič M, Peul W, Pisică D, Polinder S, Ponsford J, Puybasset L, Raj R, Robba C, Røe C, Rosand J, Schueler P, Sharp DJ, Smielewski P, Stein MB, von Steinbüchel N, Stewart W, Steyerberg EW, Stocchetti N, Temkin N, Tenovuo O, Theadom A, Thomas I, Espin AT, Turgeon AF, Unterberg A, Van Praag D, van Veen E, Verheyden J, Vyvere TV, Wang KKW, Wiegers EJA, Williams WH, Wilson L, Wisniewski SR, Younsi A, Yue JK, Yuh EL, Zeiler FA, Zeldovich M, Zemek R. Traumatic brain injury: progress and challenges in prevention, clinical care, and research. Lancet Neurol 2022; 21:1004-1060. [PMID: 36183712 PMCID: PMC10427240 DOI: 10.1016/s1474-4422(22)00309-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 127.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has the highest incidence of all common neurological disorders, and poses a substantial public health burden. TBI is increasingly documented not only as an acute condition but also as a chronic disease with long-term consequences, including an increased risk of late-onset neurodegeneration. The first Lancet Neurology Commission on TBI, published in 2017, called for a concerted effort to tackle the global health problem posed by TBI. Since then, funding agencies have supported research both in high-income countries (HICs) and in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). In November 2020, the World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of WHO, passed resolution WHA73.10 for global actions on epilepsy and other neurological disorders, and WHO launched the Decade for Action on Road Safety plan in 2021. New knowledge has been generated by large observational studies, including those conducted under the umbrella of the International Traumatic Brain Injury Research (InTBIR) initiative, established as a collaboration of funding agencies in 2011. InTBIR has also provided a huge stimulus to collaborative research in TBI and has facilitated participation of global partners. The return on investment has been high, but many needs of patients with TBI remain unaddressed. This update to the 2017 Commission presents advances and discusses persisting and new challenges in prevention, clinical care, and research. In LMICs, the occurrence of TBI is driven by road traffic incidents, often involving vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists and pedestrians. In HICs, most TBI is caused by falls, particularly in older people (aged ≥65 years), who often have comorbidities. Risk factors such as frailty and alcohol misuse provide opportunities for targeted prevention actions. Little evidence exists to inform treatment of older patients, who have been commonly excluded from past clinical trials—consequently, appropriate evidence is urgently required. Although increasing age is associated with worse outcomes from TBI, age should not dictate limitations in therapy. However, patients injured by low-energy falls (who are mostly older people) are about 50% less likely to receive critical care or emergency interventions, compared with those injured by high-energy mechanisms, such as road traffic incidents. Mild TBI, defined as a Glasgow Coma sum score of 13–15, comprises most of the TBI cases (over 90%) presenting to hospital. Around 50% of adult patients with mild TBI presenting to hospital do not recover to pre-TBI levels of health by 6 months after their injury. Fewer than 10% of patients discharged after presenting to an emergency department for TBI in Europe currently receive follow-up. Structured follow-up after mild TBI should be considered good practice, and urgent research is needed to identify which patients with mild TBI are at risk for incomplete recovery. The selection of patients for CT is an important triage decision in mild TBI since it allows early identification of lesions that can trigger hospital admission or life-saving surgery. Current decision making for deciding on CT is inefficient, with 90–95% of scanned patients showing no intracranial injury but being subjected to radiation risks. InTBIR studies have shown that measurement of blood-based biomarkers adds value to previously proposed clinical decision rules, holding the potential to improve efficiency while reducing radiation exposure. Increased concentrations of biomarkers in the blood of patients with a normal presentation CT scan suggest structural brain damage, which is seen on MR scanning in up to 30% of patients with mild TBI. Advanced MRI, including diffusion tensor imaging and volumetric analyses, can identify additional injuries not detectable by visual inspection of standard clinical MR images. Thus, the absence of CT abnormalities does not exclude structural damage—an observation relevant to litigation procedures, to management of mild TBI, and when CT scans are insufficient to explain the severity of the clinical condition. Although blood-based protein biomarkers have been shown to have important roles in the evaluation of TBI, most available assays are for research use only. To date, there is only one vendor of such assays with regulatory clearance in Europe and the USA with an indication to rule out the need for CT imaging for patients with suspected TBI. Regulatory clearance is provided for a combination of biomarkers, although evidence is accumulating that a single biomarker can perform as well as a combination. Additional biomarkers and more clinical-use platforms are on the horizon, but cross-platform harmonisation of results is needed. Health-care efficiency would benefit from diversity in providers. In the intensive care setting, automated analysis of blood pressure and intracranial pressure with calculation of derived parameters can help individualise management of TBI. Interest in the identification of subgroups of patients who might benefit more from some specific therapeutic approaches than others represents a welcome shift towards precision medicine. Comparative-effectiveness research to identify best practice has delivered on expectations for providing evidence in support of best practices, both in adult and paediatric patients with TBI. Progress has also been made in improving outcome assessment after TBI. Key instruments have been translated into up to 20 languages and linguistically validated, and are now internationally available for clinical and research use. TBI affects multiple domains of functioning, and outcomes are affected by personal characteristics and life-course events, consistent with a multifactorial bio-psycho-socio-ecological model of TBI, as presented in the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) 2022 report. Multidimensional assessment is desirable and might be best based on measurement of global functional impairment. More work is required to develop and implement recommendations for multidimensional assessment. Prediction of outcome is relevant to patients and their families, and can facilitate the benchmarking of quality of care. InTBIR studies have identified new building blocks (eg, blood biomarkers and quantitative CT analysis) to refine existing prognostic models. Further improvement in prognostication could come from MRI, genetics, and the integration of dynamic changes in patient status after presentation. Neurotrauma researchers traditionally seek translation of their research findings through publications, clinical guidelines, and industry collaborations. However, to effectively impact clinical care and outcome, interactions are also needed with research funders, regulators, and policy makers, and partnership with patient organisations. Such interactions are increasingly taking place, with exemplars including interactions with the All Party Parliamentary Group on Acquired Brain Injury in the UK, the production of the NASEM report in the USA, and interactions with the US Food and Drug Administration. More interactions should be encouraged, and future discussions with regulators should include debates around consent from patients with acute mental incapacity and data sharing. Data sharing is strongly advocated by funding agencies. From January 2023, the US National Institutes of Health will require upload of research data into public repositories, but the EU requires data controllers to safeguard data security and privacy regulation. The tension between open data-sharing and adherence to privacy regulation could be resolved by cross-dataset analyses on federated platforms, with the data remaining at their original safe location. Tools already exist for conventional statistical analyses on federated platforms, however federated machine learning requires further development. Support for further development of federated platforms, and neuroinformatics more generally, should be a priority. This update to the 2017 Commission presents new insights and challenges across a range of topics around TBI: epidemiology and prevention (section 1 ); system of care (section 2 ); clinical management (section 3 ); characterisation of TBI (section 4 ); outcome assessment (section 5 ); prognosis (Section 6 ); and new directions for acquiring and implementing evidence (section 7 ). Table 1 summarises key messages from this Commission and proposes recommendations for the way forward to advance research and clinical management of TBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew I R Maas
- Department of Neurosurgery, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - David K Menon
- Division of Anaesthesia, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Geoffrey T Manley
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mathew Abrams
- International Neuroinformatics Coordinating Facility, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Åkerlund
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Section of Perioperative Medicine and Intensive Care, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nada Andelic
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marcel Aries
- Department of Intensive Care, Maastricht UMC, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Tom Bashford
- Division of Anaesthesia, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael J Bell
- Critical Care Medicine, Neurological Surgery and Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yelena G Bodien
- Department of Neurology and Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin L Brett
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - András Büki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School; ELKH-PTE Clinical Neuroscience MR Research Group; and Neurotrauma Research Group, Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Randall M Chesnut
- Department of Neurological Surgery and Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Giuseppe Citerio
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Universita Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- NeuroIntensive Care, San Gerardo Hospital, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Monza, Monza, Italy
| | - David Clark
- Brain Physics Lab, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Betony Clasby
- Department of Sociological Studies, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - D Jamie Cooper
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Endre Czeiter
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School; ELKH-PTE Clinical Neuroscience MR Research Group; and Neurotrauma Research Group, Janos Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Marek Czosnyka
- Brain Physics Lab, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Kristen Dams-O’Connor
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance and Department of Neurology, Brain Injury Research Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Véronique De Keyser
- Department of Neurosurgery, Antwerp University Hospital and University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Ramon Diaz-Arrastia
- Department of Neurology and Center for Brain Injury and Repair, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ari Ercole
- Division of Anaesthesia, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Thomas A van Essen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center Haaglanden, The Hague, Netherlands
| | - Éanna Falvey
- College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Adam R Ferguson
- Brain and Spinal Injury Center, Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco and San Francisco Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Anthony Figaji
- Division of Neurosurgery and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Melinda Fitzgerald
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Sciences, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Brandon Foreman
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati Gardner Neuroscience Institute, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Dashiell Gantner
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Guoyi Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine
| | - Joseph Giacino
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin Gravesteijn
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Fabian Guiza
- Department and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Deepak Gupta
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurosciences Centre and JPN Apex Trauma Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Mark Gurnell
- Metabolic Research Laboratories, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Juanita A Haagsma
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Flora M Hammond
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Indiana University School of Medicine, Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Gregory Hawryluk
- Section of Neurosurgery, GB1, Health Sciences Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Peter Hutchinson
- Brain Physics Lab, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mathieu van der Jagt
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sonia Jain
- Biostatistics Research Center, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Swati Jain
- Brain Physics Lab, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ji-yao Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hope Kent
- Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Angelos Kolias
- Brain Physics Lab, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Erwin J O Kompanje
- Department of Intensive Care, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Fiona Lecky
- Centre for Urgent and Emergency Care Research, Health Services Research Section, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Hester F Lingsma
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marc Maegele
- Cologne-Merheim Medical Center, Department of Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery, Witten/Herdecke University, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marek Majdan
- Institute for Global Health and Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Work, Trnava University, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Amy Markowitz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael McCrea
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Geert Meyfroidt
- Department and Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven and KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ana Mikolić
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Stefania Mondello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Pratik Mukherjee
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - David Nelson
- Section for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lindsay D Nelson
- Department of Neurosurgery and Neurology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Virginia Newcombe
- Division of Anaesthesia, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - David Okonkwo
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Matej Orešič
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Wilco Peul
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Dana Pisică
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Neurosurgery, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Polinder
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jennie Ponsford
- Monash-Epworth Rehabilitation Research Centre, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, School of Psychological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Louis Puybasset
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, APHP, Sorbonne Université, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Rahul Raj
- Department of Neurosurgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Chiara Robba
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Policlinico San Martino IRCCS for Oncology and Neuroscience, Genova, Italy, and Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche e Diagnostiche, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Cecilie Røe
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jonathan Rosand
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - David J Sharp
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Peter Smielewski
- Brain Physics Lab, Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Murray B Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nicole von Steinbüchel
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - William Stewart
- Department of Neuropathology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital and University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ewout W Steyerberg
- Department of Biomedical Data Sciences Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Nino Stocchetti
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Milan University, and Neuroscience ICU, Fondazione IRCCS Ca Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Nancy Temkin
- Departments of Neurological Surgery, and Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Olli Tenovuo
- Department of Rehabilitation and Brain Trauma, Turku University Hospital, and Department of Neurology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Alice Theadom
- National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences, Faculty of Health and Environmental Studies, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ilias Thomas
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Abel Torres Espin
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alexis F Turgeon
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Division of Critical Care Medicine, Université Laval, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Center, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Andreas Unterberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dominique Van Praag
- Departments of Clinical Psychology and Neurosurgery, Antwerp University Hospital, and University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Ernest van Veen
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Thijs Vande Vyvere
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (MOVANT), Antwerp University Hospital, and University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Kevin K W Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Eveline J A Wiegers
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - W Huw Williams
- Centre for Clinical Neuropsychology Research, Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Lindsay Wilson
- Division of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Stephen R Wisniewski
- University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alexander Younsi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - John K Yue
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Esther L Yuh
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Frederick A Zeiler
- Departments of Surgery, Human Anatomy and Cell Science, and Biomedical Engineering, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences and Price Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Marina Zeldovich
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Roger Zemek
- Departments of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, University of Ottawa, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, ON, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Zegarra-López AC, Florentino-Santisteban B, Flores-Romero J, Delgado-Tenorio A, Cernades-Ames A. A Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms and Its Associated Sociodemographic Factors in Peru during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14240. [PMID: 36361118 PMCID: PMC9654240 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114240] [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: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The present study aims to analyze the prevalence of depressive symptoms and its sociodemographic-associated factors in Peruvian adults. Data was extracted from a nation-wide representative survey in which depression symptoms were measured with the PHQ-9 and sociodemographic information was extracted from household data. Depression severity rates were estimated for each symptom, and responses were modeled through the Rating Scale Model to obtain a depression measure used as dependent variable on a Generalized Mixed Linear Model. The most frequent depression symptoms were emotional, such as discouragement, sad mood, hopelessness, and lack of pleasure when doing activities. Our model showed that, after controlling the effects of all the variables considered, the most relevant predictors were gender, education level, physiographic region, age, marital status, and number of coresidents. Higher depression levels were found in women, people who did not complete higher education, participants living in the Highlands, older adults, single participants, and people living alone. Thus, interventions to promote or prevent depression severity during similar situations as the pandemic should focus on specific sociodemographic groups and their particular needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angel Christopher Zegarra-López
- Faculty of Psychology, Universidad de Lima, Lima 15023, Peru
- Grupo de Investigación en Psicología, Bienestar y Sociedad, Instituto de Investigación Científica, Universidad de Lima, Lima 15023, Peru
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Vahedi L, Seff I, Olaya Rodriguez D, McNelly S, Interiano Perez AI, Erskine D, Poulton C, Stark L. " At the Root of COVID Grew a More Complicated Situation": A Qualitative Analysis of the Guatemalan Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Response System during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10998. [PMID: 36078715 PMCID: PMC9518202 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of literature has documented an increased risk of gender-based violence (GBV) within the context of COVID-19 and service providers' reduced capacity to address this vulnerability. Less examined are the system-level impacts of the pandemic on the GBV sector in low- and middle-income countries. Drawing on the perspectives of 18 service providers working across various GBV-related sectors in Guatemala, we explored how the Guatemalan GBV prevention and response system operated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings highlight that the pandemic reinforced survivors' existing adversities (inadequate transportation access, food insecurity, digital divides), which subsequently reduced access to reporting, justice, and support. Consequently, the GBV prevention and response system had to absorb the responsibility of securing survivors' essential social determinants of health, further limiting already inflexible budgets. The pandemic also imposed new challenges, such as service gridlocks, that negatively affected survivors' system navigation and impaired service providers' abilities to efficiently receive reports and mobilize harm reduction and prevention programming. The findings underscore the systemic challenges faced by GBV service providers and the need to incorporate gender mainstreaming across public service sectors-namely, transportation and information/communication-to improve lifesaving GBV service delivery for Guatemalan survivors, particularly survivors in rural/remote regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luissa Vahedi
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Ilana Seff
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Deidi Olaya Rodriguez
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Samantha McNelly
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | | | - Dorcas Erskine
- UNICEF Headquarters, United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017, USA
| | | | - Lindsay Stark
- Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis 1 Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Iverson KM, Dardis CM, Cowlishaw S, Webermann AR, Shayani DR, Dichter ME, Mitchell KS, Mattocks KM, Gerber MR, Portnoy GR. Effects of Intimate Partner Violence During COVID-19 and Pandemic-Related Stress on the Mental and Physical Health of Women Veterans. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:724-733. [PMID: 36042090 PMCID: PMC9427167 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07589-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about women veterans' intimate partner violence (IPV) experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic or the impacts of pandemic-related stress on their mental and physical health. OBJECTIVES To identify IPV experiences among women veterans prior to and during the pandemic, pandemic-related stressors, and examine their respective contributions to mental and physical health. DESIGN National sample of women veterans drawn from a larger web-based longitudinal study. Relationships between recent IPV and pandemic-related stressors were tested with linear regressions, controlling for pre-pandemic IPV and mental and physical health symptoms, demographic, and military-related covariates. PARTICIPANTS One hundred forty-two women veterans (Mage=58.8 years). MAIN MEASURES We assessed IPV (CTS-2), PTSD (PCL-5), depression (CESD), anxiety (DASS-A), physical health (PHQ-15), and physical health-related quality of life (SF-12) prior to the pandemic (June 2016-December 2016/January 2017) and during the pandemic study period (March 2020-December 2020/January 2021). We assessed pandemic-related stressors (EPII) during the pandemic study period. KEY RESULTS Over a third (38.7%) of participants experienced IPV during the pandemic study period (psychological: 35.9%, physical: 9.9%, sexual: 4.2%). Overall rates, frequency, and severity of IPV experience did not significantly differ between the pre-pandemic and pandemic study periods. Few participants tested positive for COVID-19 (4.2%); however, most participants reported experiencing pandemic-related stressors across life domains (e.g., social activities: 88%, physical health: 80.3%, emotional health: 68.3%). IPV during the pandemic and pandemic-related stressors were both associated with greater PTSD and depressive symptoms. Pandemic-related stressors were associated with worse anxiety and physical health symptoms. Neither IPV during the pandemic nor pandemic-related stressors were associated with physical health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS IPV experiences during the pandemic were common among women veterans, as were pandemic-related stressors. Although IPV did not increase in the context of COVID-19, IPV experiences during the pandemic and pandemic-related stressors were linked with poorer mental and physical health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Iverson
- Women's Health Sciences Division of the National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | | - Sean Cowlishaw
- Phoenix Australia - Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Danielle R Shayani
- Women's Health Sciences Division of the National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Melissa E Dichter
- VA Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- School of Social Work, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Karen S Mitchell
- Women's Health Sciences Division of the National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kristin M Mattocks
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, MA, USA
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Megan R Gerber
- Division of General Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
- Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Galina R Portnoy
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Reidy DE, Edwards KM. Don’t dismiss gender equality: A response to Cid & Leguisamo (2022) “Gender Equality does not Prevent Sexual Abuse of Women”. Health Care Women Int 2022; 43:1133-1139. [DOI: 10.1080/07399332.2022.2107647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis E. Reidy
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University
- Center for Research on Interpersonal Violence, Georgia State University
| | - Katie M. Edwards
- Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families and Schools, University of Nebraska
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
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.
Collapse
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
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Estebarán Viñas L, González Sala F, Tortosa-Pérez M. Análisis bibliométrico de la producción científica en violencia de género desde 2008 a 2018 en Iberoamérica. UNIVERSITAS PSYCHOLOGICA 2022. [DOI: 10.11144/javeriana.upsy20.abpc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Partiendo de un análisis bibliométrico de la literatura científica sobre violencia de género, el objetivo del presente estudio es analizar la producción científica en violencia de género de autores adscritos a instituciones españolas e iberoamericanas durante el período 2008 y 2018. A partir de la metodología PRISMA, se seleccionaron un total de 1455 artículos publicados en las bases de datos Web of Science Colección Principal, SciELO Citation Index y MEDLINE. Los resultados indican un aumento en la producción de artículos con los años, una mayor presencia de mujeres como firmantes y entre las grandes productoras, siendo los artículos firmados en colaboración por mujeres y hombres los más frecuentes, si bien son las mujeres las que con mayor frecuencia aparecen como primeras firmantes. Destaca una notable presencia de investigadoras españolas y brasileñas como las más productivas, siendo 27 revistas las responsables de publicar un 47.5 % de los artículos, entre las cuales destacan las revistas brasileñas. Se puede concluir la relevancia que tienen los estudios sobre violencia de género en la investigación iberoamericana.
Collapse
|
41
|
Saboury Yazdy N, Talaei A, Ebrahimi M, Ghofrani Ivari A, Pouriran MA, Faridhosseini F, Mohaddes Ardabili H. "Be my Voice" to break social stigma against domestic violence: The underestimated role of smartphone applications in protecting victims in developing countries. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:954602. [PMID: 35990047 PMCID: PMC9386513 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.954602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Saboury Yazdy
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Talaei
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ebrahimi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Aida Ghofrani Ivari
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Pouriran
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Farhad Faridhosseini
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Hossein Mohaddes Ardabili
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hinako Katou
- Kansai Medical University Medical CenterOsakaJapan
| | - Yaeko Kataoka
- St. Luke's International University, Women's Health & MidwiferyTokyoJapan
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
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; 19:8012. [PMID: 35805670 PMCID: PMC9265640 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [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.
Collapse
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
| | - 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
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Bugeja L, Rowse J, Cunningham N, Parkin JA. Non-fatal strangulation and COVID-19 common symptoms and signs: considerations for medical and forensic assessment. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2022; 18:165-169. [PMID: 35137342 PMCID: PMC9106610 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-022-00460-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that an onset or escalation of interpersonal violence has been occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among persons in intimate or familial relationships. Strangulation (or neck compression) is a common form of interpersonal violence and can result in serious adverse health outcomes, including death. The identification and attribution of injuries from non-fatal strangulation are complex, as there may be an absence of external signs of injury and their appearance may be delayed by many days. There is a heavy reliance on clinician identification of 'red flag' symptoms and signs, the presence of which necessitates urgent further assessment. Additional challenges arise when acute non-fatal strangulation symptoms and signs are shared with other clinical conditions. In such cases, differentiating between the conditions based on the symptoms and signs alone is problematic. We present the diagnostic challenges faced when conducting forensic assessments of COVID-19-positive and suspected COVID-19 (S/COVID) patients following allegations of non-fatal strangulation in the setting of physical and sexual assaults. The implications of shared symptoms and signs, for forensic clinicians, primary healthcare, and emergency practitioners, as well as other frontline service providers, are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lyndal Bugeja
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Monash University, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Janine Rowse
- Department of Clinical Forensic Medicine, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Nicola Cunningham
- Department of Clinical Forensic Medicine, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Jo Ann Parkin
- Department of Clinical Forensic Medicine, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, 65 Kavanagh Street, Southbank, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Littleton H, Edwards KM, Sall KE, Lim S, Mauer V. COVID-Specific Coercive Control among Emerging Adults Attending College: A Brief Note. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2022; 38:1-7. [PMID: 35572417 PMCID: PMC9085367 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-022-00403-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic represents a "perfect storm" with regards to risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). Abusive partners may engage in novel forms of coercive control, such as pressuring their partner to engage in activities associated with COVID-19 infection risk (e.g., attend a large gathering). However, no empirical research has focused on COVID-specific coercive control. The current study sought to evaluate the prevalence of COVID-specific coercive control in a large sample of U.S. college students, as well as its association with other forms of IPV and depression and anxiety. A total of 2,289 undergraduate students attending eight U.S. universities who were currently in a sexual/dating/romantic relationship completed an online survey in Fall 2020 about COVID-specific coercive control, other forms of IPV (psychological, physical, sexual, coercive control) and depression and anxiety symptoms. Overall, 15.5% (n = 355) of students reported experiencing COVID-specific coercive control. Individuals who experienced COVID-specific coercive control were more likely to have experienced all other forms of IPV than those who did not experience COVID-specific coercive control. Further, individuals who experienced COVID-specific coercive control had significantly greater anxiety than individuals who did not experience any form of IPV. Individuals who experienced both COVID-specific coercive control and other forms of IPV had the highest levels of depression and anxiety. COVID-specific coercive control may serve to increase depression and anxiety, particularly if it co-occurs with other forms of IPV. Future work should evaluate the prevalence and long-term impact of coercive control during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather Littleton
- Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience, University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
MacGregor JCD, Burd C, Mantler T, McLean I, Veenendaal J, Rodger S, Wathen CN. Experiences of Women Accessing Violence Against Women Outreach Services in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Brief Report. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2022; 38:1-9. [PMID: 35505778 PMCID: PMC9049926 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-022-00398-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on violence against women (VAW), including increased prevalence and severity, and on VAW service delivery. The purpose of this research was to study women's experiences with VAW services in the first stages of the pandemic and describe their fears and concerns. This cross-sectional study was conducted from May through October 2020. Our VAW agency partners across Ontario, Canada invited women using outreach services to participate in a study about their experiences during the pandemic. In total, 49 women from 9 agencies completed an online survey. Quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and open-ended responses are presented to supplement findings. Women's experiences with VAW services during the pandemic varied greatly; some found technology-facilitated services (phone, video, text) more accessible, while others hoped to return to in-person care. Over half of women reported poorer wellbeing, access to health care, and access to informal supports. Many women reported increased relationship-related fears, some due specifically to COVID-19 factors. Our results support providing a variety of technology-based options for women accessing VAW services when in-person care options are reduced. This research also adds to the scant literature examining how some perpetrators capitalized on the pandemic by using new COVID-19-specific forms of coercive control. Although the impacts of the pandemic on women varied, our findings highlight how layers of difficulty, such as less accessible formal and informal support, as well as increased fear - can compound to make life for women experiencing abuse exceptionally difficult.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C. D. MacGregor
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A5B7 Canada
| | - Caitlin Burd
- Faculty of Information and Media Studies, Western University, London, ON Canada
| | - Tara Mantler
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON Canada
| | - Isobel McLean
- School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
| | - Jill Veenendaal
- Faculty of Information and Media Studies, Western University, London, ON Canada
| | - Susan Rodger
- Applied Psychology, Faculty of Education, Western University, London, ON Canada
| | - C. Nadine Wathen
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A5B7 Canada
| | - Violence Against Women Services in a Pandemic Research Team
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, 1151 Richmond St, London, ON N6A5B7 Canada
- Faculty of Information and Media Studies, Western University, London, ON Canada
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON Canada
- School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada
- Applied Psychology, Faculty of Education, Western University, London, ON Canada
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
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; 19:4973. [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.
Collapse
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
| | - 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.)
| | - 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.)
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Tracy BM, Whitson AK, Chen JC, Weiss BD, Sims CA. Examining Violence Against Women at a Regional Level 1 Trauma Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Am Surg 2022; 88:404-408. [PMID: 34645329 PMCID: PMC8859477 DOI: 10.1177/00031348211047467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a growing concern that certain public health restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) could result in more violence against women (VAW). We sought to determine if the rates and types of VAW changed during the COVID-19 pandemic at our level 1 trauma center (L1TC). METHODS We performed a retrospective review of female patients who presented to our L1TC because of violence from 2019 through 2020. Patients were grouped into a pre-COVID or COVID period. The primary aim of this study was to compare rates of VAW between groups. Secondary aims sought to evaluate for any difference in traumatic mechanism between periods and to determine if a temporal relationship existed between COVID-19 and VAW rates. RESULTS There was no difference in rates of VAW between the pre-COVID and COVID period (3.1% vs 3.6%, P = .6); however, rates of penetrating trauma were greater during the COVID period (38.2% vs 10.3%, P = .01). After controlling for patient age and race, the odds of penetrating trauma increased during the pandemic (OR 5.8, 95% CI 1.6-28.5, P < .01). From February 2020 through October 2020, there was a direct relationship between rates of COVID-19 and VAW (r2 .78, P < .01). CONCLUSION Rates of VAW were unchanged between the pre-COVID and COVID periods, yet the odds of penetrating VAW were 5 times greater during the pandemic. Moving forward, trauma surgeons must remain vigilant for signs of violence and ensure that support services are available during future crises.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brett M. Tracy
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Burn, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Amy K. Whitson
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Burn, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - JC Chen
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Burn, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brian D. Weiss
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Burn, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Carrie A. Sims
- Division of Trauma, Critical Care, Burn, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lersch K, Hart TC. COVID-19, Violent Crime, and Domestic Violence: An Exploratory Analysis. INTERNATIONAL CRIMINOLOGY 2022. [PMCID: PMC8896971 DOI: 10.1007/s43576-022-00049-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
As the world continues to struggle with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been much speculation on the impact of the virus on crime rates, especially violent crime and domestic violence. Disruptions in the patterns of daily, routine activities of life caused by lockdowns have been linked to changes in opportunities for criminal events, and these opportunities may vary based on the type of crime. The purpose of this paper is to examine the rates of violent interpersonal crime and domestic violence in the State of Florida, USA from 1/1/2020 to 12/31/2020. Using counties as the unit of analysis, the rates for selected violent crimes was predicted based on the differential impact of the COVID-19 virus, controlling for various county-level social vulnerability and health-related factors. Comparisons between violent crime levels in 2019 and 2020 were also made. Under opportunity theory, it was predicted that the level of domestic violence would increase in counties that experienced higher infection rates and deaths from COVID-19. Conversely, it was predicted that interpersonal violence would decrease in counties with greater impacts and restrictions due to the COVID-19 virus. The results suggest that as the COVID-19 death rate increased, incidents of domestic violence decreased. Altruism was proposed as an alternative explanation for this atypical finding.
Collapse
|
50
|
Gender-Based Violence in the Asia-Pacific Region during COVID-19: A Hidden Pandemic behind Closed Doors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042239. [PMID: 35206424 PMCID: PMC8871686 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Since the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been reports of increased violence against women globally. We aimed to explore factors associated with reported increases in gender-based violence (GBV) during the pandemic in the Asia-Pacific region. We conducted 47 semi-structured interviews with experts working in sexual and reproductive health in 12 countries in the region. We analysed data thematically, using the socio-ecological framework of violence. Risks associated with increased GBV included economic strain, alcohol use and school closures, together with reduced access to health and social services. We highlight the need to address heightened risk factors, the importance of proactively identifying instances of GBV and protecting women and girls through establishing open and innovative communication channels, along with addressing underlying issues of gender inequality and social norms. Violence is exacerbated during public health crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Identifying and supporting women at risk, as well as preventing domestic violence during lockdowns and movement restrictions is an emerging challenge. Our findings can help inform the adoption of improved surveillance and research, as well as innovative interventions to prevent violence and detect and protect victims.
Collapse
|