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BenYishay A, Sayers R, Wells J. Prevalence of school related violence in seven countries: A cross-sectional survey. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301833. [PMID: 38748656 PMCID: PMC11095737 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Violence against children in schools harms the affected children, limits their learning and educational attainment, and extends its harms to families and the broader communities. However, to date, comparable cross-country data on violence against children in schools has not been available. We utilize the Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys (VACS) to estimate school-related violence against children in seven countries (Honduras, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia). Leveraging the unique comparability of the surveys, we are able to estimate both physical and sexual violence experienced in childhood and adolescence among youth aged 13-24. Where possible, we also disaggregate by gender and perpetrator type. Overall, within our sample seven countries, we find that 12.11-44.63% of females and 14.28-53.85% of males experienced at least one form of violence. Males experience higher levels of school-related violence and a significant portion of this is due to experiencing physical violence perpetrated by male classmates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel BenYishay
- Department of Economics, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, United States of America
- AidData, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Rachel Sayers
- AidData, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Jessica Wells
- AidData, William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, United States of America
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Johnson SL, Mootz J, Waller B, Fortunato Dos Santos P, Jaguga F, Giusto A. A global call for adolescent intimate partner violence prevention. Lancet Psychiatry 2024; 11:238-239. [PMID: 38280384 PMCID: PMC11003822 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(23)00435-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Savannah L Johnson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Duke Global Health Institute, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Jennifer Mootz
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bernadine Waller
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Florence Jaguga
- Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Department of Mental Health, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Ali Giusto
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
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Ezegwui CO, Bolakale-Rufai IK, Ukachukwu CC, Amusa AO, Adegoke AT, Adebayo AM. Perception and prevalence of rape: A survey among in-school adolescents in rural Southwest Nigeria. J Natl Med Assoc 2023; 115:545-555. [PMID: 37867130 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnma.2023.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rape has fast become an issue of relevance to global health cutting across geographical and cultural divides. Most studies on the subject are urban based and among adults. This study was conducted to assess the perception, prevalence and perpetrators among in-school adolescents which represent a unique group and in a rural setting. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted using a two-stage cluster sampling technique. A total of 640 respondents completed a pretested interviewer-assisted semi-structured questionnaire. Perception and knowledge scores for rape were calculated and data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. RESULTS The mean age of respondents was 15.5 (±2.1) years and M: F ratio of 1:1.2. About one-half (46.9%) had poor overall knowledge of rape in the domains assessed. A significant proportion, 266 (41.6%) still subscribe to victim blaming in rape and 336 (52.5%) had negative perception of rape. Eight-five (13.3%) had been raped at least once while 36 (5.6%) self-reported to be perpetrators of rape. The respondents' sex (p=0.015) and present class (0.012) of respondents showed statistically significant association with knowledge of rape. CONCLUSION The perception of in-school adolescents on rape still leaves much to be desired. Perpetration and experience of rape remain important global health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Ayodeji Matthew Adebayo
- Reproductive and Family Health Unit, Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Yount KM, Comeau D, Blake SC, Sales J, Sacks M, Nicol H, Bergenfeld I, Kalokhe AS, Stein AD, Whitaker DJ, Parrott D, Van HTH. Consortium for violence prevention research, leadership training, and implementation for excellence (CONVERGE): a protocol to train science leaders in gender-based-violence and violence-against-children research for impact. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1181543. [PMID: 37469691 PMCID: PMC10352114 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1181543] [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: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against children (VAC) are two prevalent and highly interconnected global health challenges, yet data and research capacities to study these forms of violence and to generate evidence-based policies and programs remain limited. To address critical shortages in research capacity in Vietnam and to establish a model for other Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), we are establishing CONVERGE-the Consortium for Violence Prevention Research, Implementation, and Leadership Training for Excellence. Methods Based on a needs assessment with partners in Vietnam, CONVERGE will provide a comprehensive research training program supporting 15 long-term, postdoctoral trainees with multi-disciplinary research training in GBV and VAC. We also will offer in-country trainings and short-courses to 40 short-term mid-career academic trainees and 60 short-term practitioner/stakeholder trainees over 5 years to build productive GBV and VAC academic, scientific, and practitioner networks. The CONVERGE training program has four components: (1) 14 h of virtual/in-person annual mentorship training to prepare research mentors and to create a pipeline of future mentors in Vietnam; (2) a one-month intensive research training for long-term postdoctoral fellows at Emory University; (3) a structured 17-month, in-country mentored research project for long-term trainees that results in a peer-reviewed manuscript and a subsequent grant submission; and, (4) week-long in-country intensive translational trainings on implementation science, advanced topics in leadership, and advanced topics in science dissemination. Opportunities for on-going virtual training and professional networking will be provided for CONVERGE trainees and mentors in Vietnam with other trainees and mentors of D43s focused on injury/violence prevention, D43s housed at Emory, and D43s with other institutions in Southeast Asia. To assess the reach, implementation, fidelity, and effectiveness of these four components, we will implement a rigorous, mixed-methods, multi-level evaluation strategy using process and outcome measures. Findings from the evaluation will be used to refine program components for future trainee and mentor cohorts and to assess long-term program impact. Discussion Led by Emory University in the US and Hanoi Medical University in Vietnam, CONVERGE represents leading institutions and experts from around the world, with a goal of providing mentorship opportunities for early-career scientists with an interest in violence prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M. Yount
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Dawn Comeau
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Sarah C. Blake
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jessica Sales
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Michael Sacks
- Goizueta Business School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Hannah Nicol
- School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Irina Bergenfeld
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Aryeh D. Stein
- Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Dominic Parrott
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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Yang Y. Suicide attempt and suicide plan among U.S. adolescents: The role of repeated and co-occurring violence experiences. Psychiatry Res 2023; 320:115040. [PMID: 36592597 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.115040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study is to measure the impact of repeated and co-occurring violence experiences on suicidal behaviors among U.S. adolescents. METHODS Data from a nationally representative sample (N = 13, 677) were utilized, collected by 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Association and correlation between suicidal behaviors (suicide attempt and suicide plan) and multiple violence experiences (weapon-involved violence, physical violence, and sexual violence) were examined using a series of logistic regression models and structural equation modeling (SEM). RESULTS In the past year, nearly one in eleven adolescents had attempted suicide, one in six planned for suicide, and one in five suffered from at least one form of violence. Adolescents experiencing high frequency of victimization were up to 12 times greater odds of attempting suicide and up to 6 times more likely to plan for suicide. Those with multiple forms of violence experiences had much greater likelihood of attempting suicide and planning for suicide. The three violence experiences were highly correlated with each other and collectively explained about 40% of variance in suicide attempt and 24% of variance in suicide plan. CONCLUSION Comprehensive intervention programs and mental health services are needed for adolescents with repeated and concurrent violence experiences to prevent their suicidal behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingwei Yang
- Social Science Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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Miedema SS, Le VD, Chiang L, Ngann T, Shortt JW. Adverse Childhood Experiences and Intimate Partner Violence Among Youth in Cambodia: A Latent Class Analysis. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2023; 38:NP1446-NP1472. [PMID: 35471130 PMCID: PMC10263171 DOI: 10.1177/08862605221090573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a global public health problem, including in low- and middle-income country settings, and are associated with increased risk of intimate partner violence (IPV) during young adulthood. However, current measurement of ACEs may underestimate sequelae of different combinations, or classes, of ACEs and mask class-specific associations with adult exposure to IPV. We used data among ever-partnered young women and men aged 18-24 years from the Cambodia Violence Against Children Survey (Nw = 369; Nm = 298). Participants retrospectively reported on seven ACEs and lifetime physical and/or sexual IPV victimization and perpetration. Latent classes comprised of ACEs were used as predictors of physical and/or sexual IPV perpetration and victimization, controlling for household wealth. Identified latent classes for women were "Low ACEs" (60%), "Community Violence and Physical Abuse" (23%), and "Physical, Sexual and Emotional Abuse" (17%). Latent classes for men were "Low ACEs" (48%) and "Household and Community Violence" (52%). Among women, those in the Physical, Sexual and Emotional Abuse class were more likely to experience and perpetrate physical and/or sexual IPV in their romantic relationships compared to the reference group (Low ACEs). Women in the Community Violence and Physical Abuse class were more likely to perpetrate physical and/or sexual IPV, but not experience IPV, compared to women in the Low ACEs class. Among men, those in the Household and Community Violence class were more likely to perpetrate physical and/or sexual IPV against a partner, compared to men in the Low ACEs class. Overall, patterns of ACEs were differently associated with IPV outcomes among young women and men in Cambodia. National violence prevention efforts might consider how different combinations of childhood experiences shape risk of young adulthood IPV and tailor interventions accordingly to work with youth disproportionately affected by varied combinations of ACEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie S. Miedema
- Research and Evaluation Branch, Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Vi Donna Le
- Research and Evaluation Branch, Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Laura Chiang
- Field Epidemiology and Prevention Branch, Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Thanak Ngann
- Gender and Development for Cambodia (GAD/C), Phnom Penh, Cambodia
| | - Joann Wu Shortt
- Research and Evaluation Branch, Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Velloza J, Davies LD, Ensminger AL, Theofelus FM, Andjamba H, Kamuingona R, Masseti G, Coomer R, Forster N, O’Malley G. Cycles of Violence Among Young Women in Namibia: Exploring the Links Between Childhood Violence and Adult Intimate Partner Violence From the Violence Against Children and Youth Survey. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP22992-NP23014. [PMID: 35156448 PMCID: PMC9661872 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211073107] [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: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Background: Violence against children is a global public health crisis and is associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes. Childhood violence may also increase the risk of subsequent violence revictimization by an intimate partner. We aimed to understand cycles of violence among adolescent girls and young women in Namibia to inform violence prevention and treatment interventions. Methods: The 2019 Namibia Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) examined the prevalence of childhood violence and intimate partner violence among 18-24 year old adolescent girls and young women (N = 2434). Using the data, we assessed the prevalence of childhood violence, defined as any physical, sexual, or emotional violence victimization prior to age 18, and estimated the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) after age 18. We used a weighted logistic regression to assess whether childhood violence exposure was associated with subsequent experience of IPV after age 18. Results: Adolescent girls and young women in Namibia had a statistically significant higher odds of experiencing IPV if they had experienced any childhood violence including physical, sexual, and/or emotional violence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.93; 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI: 1.64-5.23). IPV was also significantly associated with childhood physical (aOR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.07-3.05), sexual (aOR: 3.79; 95% CI: 2.54-5.67), or emotional (aOR: 2.39; 95% CI: 1.18-4.86) violence when each were considered separately. We also observed a dose-response relationship between the number of types of childhood violence and IPV experience as a young adult. Conclusions: Childhood violence is a significant predictor of subsequent violence revictimization by an intimate partner. This analysis provides unique insights on cycles of violence among adolescent girls and young women in Namibia and points to the need for interventions during childhood to prevent violence against children and break this cycle among young women in sub-Saharan Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Velloza
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Luke D. Davies
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alison L. Ensminger
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Helena Andjamba
- Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Government of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Rahimisa Kamuingona
- Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Government of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Greta Masseti
- Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Rachel Coomer
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Norbert Forster
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), University of Washington, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Gabrielle O’Malley
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA
- International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Campeau A, Tanaka M, McTavish JR, MacMillan H, McKee C, Hovdestad WE, Gonzalez A, Afifi TO, Stewart-Tufescu A, Tonmyr L. Asking youth and adults about child maltreatment: a review of government surveys. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063905. [PMID: 36410827 PMCID: PMC9680163 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In this review we: (1) identify and describe nationally representative surveys with child maltreatment (CM) questions conducted by governments in low-income, middle-income and high-income countries and (2) describe procedures implemented to address respondents' safety and minimise potential distress. DESIGN We conducted a systematic search across eight databases from 1 January 2000 to 5 July 2021 to identify original studies with information about relevant surveys. Additional information about surveys was obtained through survey methods studies, survey reports, survey websites or by identifying full questionnaires (when available). RESULTS Forty-six studies representing 139 surveys (98 youth and 41 adult) conducted by governments from 105 countries were identified. Surveys implemented a variety of procedures to maximise the safety and/or reduce distress for respondents including providing the option to withdraw from the survey and/or securing confidentiality and privacy for the respondent. In many surveys, further steps were taken such as providing information for support services, providing sensitivity training to survey administrators when interviews were conducted, among others. A minority of surveys took additional steps to empirically assess potential distress experienced by respondents. CONCLUSIONS Assessing risk and protective factors and developing effective interventions and policies are essential to reduce the burden of violence against children. While asking about experiences of CM requires careful consideration, procedures to maximise the safety and minimise potential distress to respondents have been successfully implemented globally, although practices differ across surveys. Further analysis is required to assist governments to implement the best possible safety protocols to protect respondents in future surveys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimée Campeau
- Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Masako Tanaka
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jill R McTavish
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harriet MacMillan
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, and Pediatrics, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chris McKee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wendy E Hovdestad
- Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Gonzalez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tracie O Afifi
- Departments of Community Health Sciences, and Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Lil Tonmyr
- Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Cerna-Turoff I, Nyakuwa R, Turner E, Nherera CM, Nhenga-Chakarisa T, Devries K. National COVID-19 lockdown and trends in help-seeking for violence against children in Zimbabwe: an interrupted time-series analysis. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:2116. [PMCID: PMC9673211 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14425-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
An estimated 1.8 billion children live in countries where COVID-19 disrupted violence prevention and response. It is important to understand how government policies to contain COVID-19 impacted children’s ability to seek help, especially in contexts where there was limited formal help-seeking prior to the pandemic. We aimed to quantify how the national lockdown in Zimbabwe affected helpline calls for violence against children, estimated the number of calls that would have been received had the lockdown not occurred and described characteristics of types of calls and callers before and after the national lockdown.
Methods
We used an interrupted time series design to analyse the proportion of violence related calls (17,913 calls out of 57,050) to Childline Zimbabwe’s national child helpline between 2017 to 2021. We applied autoregressive integrated moving average regression (ARIMA) models to test possible changes in call trends before and after the March 2020 lockdown and forecasted how many calls would have been received in the absence of lockdown. In addition, we examined call characteristics before and after lockdown descriptively.
Results
The proportion of violence related calls decreased in the 90 days after the lockdown and subsequently returned to pre-COVID-19 levels. We estimate that 10.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.0–14.6%) more violence related calls would have occurred in this period had there not been a lockdown. Violence was increasingly reported as occurring in children’s households, with fewer reports from children and formal child protection actors.
Conclusions
Lockdowns dramatically change everyday life and strain populations, which is unlikely to reduce violence prevalence but may reduce help-seeking. The three months after COVID-19 lockdowns may be key time periods when help-seeking for violence decreases drastically. Policy makers should ensure that in-person and remote services support help-seeking. Interventions and campaigns may additionally want to target adult female family members in encouraging reporting of suspected violence cases when they occur within households and are perpetuated by other family members. We suggest a composite approach of scaling-up remote reporting mechanisms that are accessible and geographically well-distributed, establishing non-traditional sites for help seeking within communities and continuing limited in-person home visitation for known cases of violence.
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Lee N, Osborne M, Massetti G, Watson A, Self-Brown S. Associations Among Age of First Experience of Violence, Type of Victimization, Polyvictimization, and Mental Distress in Nigerian Females. Violence Against Women 2022; 28:2992-3012. [PMID: 34894889 PMCID: PMC9189236 DOI: 10.1177/10778012211038973] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study explored associations of age of first victimization, sexual violence (SV), physical violence (PV), polyvictimization, and mental distress among females in Nigeria (n = 1,766, 13-24 years old) using the nationally representative 2014 Nigeria Violence Against Children Survey. Multinomial logistic regressions were performed. Nigerian females reporting SV victimization and polyvictimization were more likely to experience higher mental distress. The older the female was at the time of PV victimization, the greater the risk for mental distress. Violence is prevalent in Nigeria and its impact on youth's health is severe. However, evidence-based and data-driven policies and programs can reduce and prevent violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- NaeHyung Lee
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, 1373Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- National SafeCare Training and Research Center, 1373Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, 1373Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Melissa Osborne
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, 1373Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- National SafeCare Training and Research Center, 1373Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, 1373Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Greta Massetti
- Division of Violence Prevention, 1242Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ashley Watson
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, 1373Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- National SafeCare Training and Research Center, 1373Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, 1373Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shannon Self-Brown
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, 1373Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- National SafeCare Training and Research Center, 1373Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Center for Research of Interpersonal Violence, 1373Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Velloza J, Davies L, Ensminger A, Theofelus FM, Andjamba H, Kamuingona R, Nakuta J, Uiras W, Massetti G, Coomer R, Wolkon A, Forster N, O'Malley G. Disclosure and help-seeking behaviors related to sexual and physical violence in childhood and adolescence: Results from the Namibia Violence Against Children and Youth Survey. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 128:105624. [PMID: 35381545 PMCID: PMC9119951 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Violence disclosure and help-seeking can mitigate adverse health effects associated with childhood violence, but little is known about facilitators and barriers of disclosure and help-seeking behaviors in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVE To understand factors associated with disclosure and help-seeking to inform care. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants aged 13-24 years old in the 2019 Namibia Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS). METHODS We assessed the prevalence of victimization, disclosure, and help-seeking and examined factors associated with violence disclosure and help-seeking, separately, by gender. RESULTS 4211 girls and 980 boys participated in the Namibia VACS. The prevalence of childhood sexual violence differed significantly by gender (15.7% among girls, 9.8% among boys), but physical violence prevalence did not differ by gender. Among victims of sexual violence, 57.3% of girls disclosed and 10.4% sought help, compared with only 30.7% and 3.2% of boys. Among victims of physical violence, 61.1% of girls and 53.4% of boys disclosed, and 16.9% of girls and 17.7% of boys sought help. Older age, social support, and experiencing more types of violence were associated with sexual violence disclosure among boys, but none of these factors were associated with sexual violence disclosure among girls. Lower education, perpetrator type, and witnessing violence were associated with physical violence disclosure among girls, while peer support and perpetrator type were associated with physical violence disclosure among boys. CONCLUSIONS Factors associated with childhood violence differed by gender and violence type in Namibia, highlighting a need for gender-specific violence services to facilitate violence disclosure and help-seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Velloza
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Luke Davies
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA; International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alison Ensminger
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA; International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Helena Andjamba
- Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare (formerly Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare), Government of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Rahimisa Kamuingona
- Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare (formerly Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare), Government of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Joyce Nakuta
- Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare (formerly Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare), Government of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Wilhencia Uiras
- Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication and Social Welfare (formerly Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare), Government of Namibia, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Greta Massetti
- Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Violence Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Rachel Coomer
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Adam Wolkon
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Global HIV & Tuberculosis, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Norbert Forster
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA; International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), University of Washington, Windhoek, Namibia
| | - Gabrielle O'Malley
- University of Washington, Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA; International Training and Education Center for Health (I-TECH), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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12
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Kågesten AE, Oware PM, Ntinyari W, Langat N, Mboya B, Ekström AM. Young People's Experiences With an Empowerment-Based Behavior Change Intervention to Prevent Sexual Violence in Nairobi Informal Settlements: A Qualitative Study. GLOBAL HEALTH, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2021; 9:508-522. [PMID: 34593578 PMCID: PMC8514032 DOI: 10.9745/ghsp-d-21-00105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Young people in sub-Saharan Africa face one of the world's highest burdens of sexual violence. Previous impact evaluations indicated that a 6-week empowerment-based behavioral intervention in Nairobi informal (slum) settlements can reduce sexual assault. This qualitative study investigated girls' and boys' experiences of the intervention to identify potential mechanisms of change. METHODS We conducted a qualitative study in Nairobi slums with students (aged 15-21 years) who had participated in 2 parallel school-based curriculums called IMPower (girls) and Your Moment of Truth (boys) at least 1 year ago. Data were collected via 10 focus group discussions (5 for boys, 5 for girls) with 6-11 participants in each and 21 individual in-depth interviews (11 boys, 10 girls) that explored participants' experiences of the intervention and their suggestions for improvement. Findings were analyzed using thematic network analysis guided by empowerment theory. RESULTS Girls described how the intervention enabled them to recognize and resist sexual assault via verbal and physical strategies for self-protection, negotiate sexual consent, and exercise agency. Boys described increased ability to avoid risky behaviors and "bad" peer groups and to understand and respect consent. Girls also described how the intervention strengthened their self-confidence, and boys said that it boosted positive life values and gender-equal attitudes. Skilled facilitators and interactive and relevant content were highlighted as key to intervention success. Areas of improvement included expanding the curriculum to contain more content on sexual and reproductive health and rights and involving out-of-school youth, parents, teachers, and communities. CONCLUSION Findings indicate that a relatively short, behavioral school-based intervention can empower both girls and boys to prevent various forms of sexual violence in a low-income setting where it is endemic. Incorporating multilevel support structures, such as involving communities and families, could further enhance young people's long-term safety, health, and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Kågesten
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Phoene Mesa Oware
- Institute for Social Development, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | | | | | | | - Anna Mia Ekström
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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13
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Kappel RH, Livingston MD, Patel SN, Villaveces A, Massetti GM. Prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and associated health risks and risk behaviors among young women and men in Honduras. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 115:104993. [PMID: 33611130 PMCID: PMC8136622 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.104993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic childhood events associated with negative health outcomes. Limited data on ACEs exists from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). No ACEs studies have been done in Honduras. OBJECTIVE This study assessed the prevalence of ACEs in Honduras and associated health risks and risk behaviors among young adults. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Data from the 2017 Honduras Violence Against Children and Youth Survey (VACS) were used. Analyses were restricted to participants ages 18-24 years (n = 2701). METHODS This study uses nationally representative VACS data to estimate the weighted prevalence of ACEs (physical, emotional, and sexual violence; witnessing violence; parental migration). Logistic regression analyses assessed the relationship between individual ACEs, cumulative ACEs, and health risks and risk behaviors (psychological distress; suicide ideation or self-harm; binge drinking; smoking; drug use; STIs; early pregnancy). Chi-square tests examined differences by sex. RESULTS An estimated 77 % of 18-24 year olds in Honduras experienced at least 1 ACE and 39 % experienced 3+ ACEs. Women experienced significantly more sexual, emotional, and physical violence compared to men. Compared to youth with no ACEs, those with 1-2 ACEs and 3+ ACEs had 1.8 and 2.8 increased odds for psychological distress, 2.3 and 6.4 increased odds for suicidal ideation and self-harm, and 1.7 and 1.9 increased odds for smoking, respectively, adjusting for age, education, and food insecurity. Physical violence victimization and witnessing violence in the community were associated with increased odds of all health risks and risk behaviors. CONCLUSIONS The high prevalence of ACEs and associated negative health risks and risk behaviors in this population support the need for prevention and early intervention for ACEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel H Kappel
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.
| | - Melvin D Livingston
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Shilpa N Patel
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Andrés Villaveces
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Greta M Massetti
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
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McNaughton Reyes HL, Graham LM, Chen MS, Baron D, Gibbs A, Groves AK, Kajula L, Bowler S, Maman S. Adolescent dating violence prevention programmes: a global systematic review of evaluation studies. THE LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2020; 5:223-232. [PMID: 33220790 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(20)30276-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent dating violence negatively affects millions of young people worldwide. Through a global systematic review, we synthesised evidence from rigorous studies of prevention programmes for adolescent dating violence. Our aims were to: (1) describe the breadth of research in this area and evidence of programme effects, and (2) identify gaps in the evidence base. We included experimental and controlled quasi-experimental programme evaluations, published before Jan 1, 2020, that assessed effects on victimisation or perpetration, or both, in adolescent dating violence and in which at least half of the study population was 10-19 years old. Study design, programme elements, and outcomes were compared between evaluations implemented in high-income countries (HICs) and low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). 52 evaluations met inclusion criteria, of which 20 (38%) were implemented in LMICs. Evaluations in HICs were more likely to assess effects on adolescent dating violence victimisation and perpetration, rather than just victimisation, than those in LMICs, and they were also more likely to include boys and girls, as opposed to just a single sex. Overall, 26 (50%) of the 52 evaluations reported a significant preventive effect on at least one outcome for adolescent dating violence, of which nine were implemented in LMICs. Across LMICs and HICs, findings suggest research is needed to shed light on how adolescent dating violence prevention programmes work and to identify whether programme effects generalise across different settings, outcomes, and subgroups. TRANSLATIONS: For the Chinese, French and Spanish translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Luz McNaughton Reyes
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Laurie M Graham
- School of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - May S Chen
- Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Deborah Baron
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Andrew Gibbs
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Alison K Groves
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Sarah Bowler
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Suzanne Maman
- Department of Health Behavior, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Ngabirano TD, Saftner MA, McMorris BJ. Exploring Health Behaviors in Ugandan Adolescents Living in Rural Fishing Communities. J Sch Nurs 2020; 38:148-160. [PMID: 32757810 DOI: 10.1177/1059840520947142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adolescents in rural Uganda face unique opportunities and challenges to their health. The primary goal of this exploratory cross-sectional survey study was to describe the health behaviors of adolescents of age 13-19 living in four Ugandan fishing communities as a foundation for developing programs to reduce risky health behaviors and HIV/AIDS transmission. The majority of boys (59.6%) and one third of girls reported lifetime sexual intercourse; girls reported earlier sexual debut than boys, as well as higher rates of sexual assault, rape, and/or coerced intercourse. Sexually active youth were more likely to have viewed pornography, be tested for other sexually transmitted infections, and attend boarding schools. Alcohol use was prevalent among both sexes; however, the use of other substances was infrequently reported. Since the majority of adolescents in Uganda attend boarding school, there is an opportunity to expand the school nurse scope of care to include health promotion education and counseling.
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Gender-Based Violence Perpetration by Male High School Students in Eastern Ethiopia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17155536. [PMID: 32751828 PMCID: PMC7432163 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17155536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Gender-based violence (GBV) perpetration is a global public health problem due to its detrimental effect on health and education. This study aims to determine the prevalence of gender-based violence perpetration by male students in eastern Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in eastern Ethiopia in December 2018. A total of 1064 male students were involved in the study. Data were collected using an adaptation of the WHO Multi-Country Study self-administered questionnaire on the Women Health and Life Event. Descriptive statistics were calculated using STATA version 14. The prevalence of gender-based violence committed by a male in the last 12 months was 55.83% (95% CI: 52.84–58.82%). The prevalence of emotional abuse against an intimate or non-partner was 45.86% (95% CI: 42.87–48.86%), physical abuse was 45.77% (95% CI: 42.77–48.77%), and sexual abuse was 31.11% (95% CI: 28.32–33.90%). The perpetration of multiple types of gender-based violence (emotional, physical, and sexual) was 47.15% (95% CI: 43.15–51.25%), with 17.72% (95% CI: 14.75–21.03%) reporting emotionally and physically violent acts, 14.21% (95% CI: 11.51–17.27%) reporting emotionally violent acts only, and 12.88% (95% CI: 10.29–15.82%) reporting physically violent acts only. There were statistically significant differences between the age of participants who committed acts of all forms of GBV in the “ever” timeframe and the past 12 months (p < 0.001). Effective prevention and intervention strategies should be developed at the school level to reduce gender-based violence perpetration.
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Kidman R, Kohler HP. Emerging partner violence among young adolescents in a low-income country: Perpetration, victimization and adversity. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0230085. [PMID: 32142550 PMCID: PMC7059948 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0230085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intimate partner violence (IPV) is prevalent in high- as well as low-income contexts. It results in a substantial public health burden and significant negative socioeconomic and health outcomes throughout the life-course. However, limited knowledge exists about IPV during early adolescence. This period is critical during the transition to adulthood for at least two reasons: it is when the majority of adolescents in low-income countries first encounter dating, sexuality and partnerships, often with older adolescents or adults, and it is also the period when lifelong patterns of violence and norms about acceptable IPV are formed. The current study is one of the first to measure IPV prevalence among young adolescents in a low-income setting, examine the potential etiology, and investigate relationships with gender ideology, poverty, mental health and childhood adversity. Methods We surveyed 2,089 adolescents aged 10–16 in Malawi using standardized instruments. We estimated the prevalence of IPV, and use multivariate logistic regression to test potential correlates. Results More than a quarter (27%) of ever-partnered adolescents in Malawi report being victimized. A substantial proportion of both male and female adolescents (15%) report committing violence against their partner. Girls were more likely than boys to report being a victim of sexual IPV (24% versus 8%), and boys more likely to perpetrate such (9% versus 1%). Almost 10% of the sample had both committed and been a victim of IPV. Cumulative childhood adversity (e.g., physical abuse, witnessing domestic violence) was a consistent and strong correlate of IPV victimization (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.30) and of perpetration (aOR 1.35). Depression and PTSD were likewise associated with IPV victimization in the overall sample. Notably, gender ideology was not predictive of either victimization or perpetration, even among boys. Conclusions IPV is common for both male and female young Malawian adolescents, and includes both victimization and perpetration. IPV compounds other adversities experienced by adolescents in this low-income setting, and it is rarely alleviated through help from the health system or other formal support. These findings underscore the need to intervene early when interventions can still break destructive pathways and help foster healthier relationships. This focus on early adolescence is particularly critical in low-income countries given the early onset and rapid pace of the transition to adulthood, with sexual activity, dating and partnership thus being common already in young adolescence. Promising interventions would be those that reduce violence against or around children, as well as those that reduce the impacts of such trauma on mental health during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Kidman
- Department of Family, Population and Preventive Medicine, Core Faculty, Program in Public Health, Stony Brook University (State University of New York), Stony Brook, NY, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Hans-Peter Kohler
- Department of Sociology and Population Studies Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
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Manuel B, Roelens K, Tiago A, Keygnaert I, Valcke M. Gaps in Medical Students' Competencies to Deal With Intimate Partner Violence in Key Mozambican Medical Schools. Front Public Health 2019; 7:204. [PMID: 31396502 PMCID: PMC6667801 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The researchers aimed to identify the gaps in competencies designed to help medical students to deal with Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in key Mozambican medical schools curricula. Method: A survey was administered to 3rd and 6th-year medical students (N387), enrolled in five medical schools in Mozambique. The instrument focused on mapping students' perceived mastery of their knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to IPV. Results: In total, 387 medical students (RR 66%) participated in the survey. The overall mean perceived mastery of IPV competence was 36.18 (SD = 24.52) for knowledge, 32.01 (SD = 27.37) for skills, and 43.47 (SD = 27.58) for attitudes. Though 6th-year students reported a significantly higher mastery level, it is still below a mastery-learning benchmark of 80%. Conclusions: Medical students report critically low levels in their mastery of IPV- related competencies. This implies a need for a more comprehensive approach to developing knowledge, skills, and attitudes to deal with the victims of IPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Manuel
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kristien Roelens
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Armindo Tiago
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University Eduardo Mondlane, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Ines Keygnaert
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, International Centre for Reproductive Health, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Martin Valcke
- Department of Educational Studies, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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