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Anderson JC, Nguyen MU, Huynh W, Sharif K, Moret JED. Enhancing Campus Safety: Exploring Student Perspectives on a Text Message-Delivered Intervention for Addressing Sexual Violence and Alcohol Use. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING 2024; 20:30-42. [PMID: 38019029 PMCID: PMC10922041 DOI: 10.1097/jfn.0000000000000454] [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: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol-related sexual violence, including sexual coercion, nonconsensual contact, and rape, is prevalent on college campuses. AIM The purpose of the study was to investigate college students' feedback and recommendations regarding content for a text-message-delivered harm reduction intervention to jointly address alcohol use and alcohol's role in sexual violence risk. METHODS This qualitative thematic study used focus groups and individual interviews to collect feedback from 61 college students between February 2019 and July 2020. RESULTS Targeted recruitment resulted in a sample that was nearly half queer/ lesbian, gay, bisexual (46.2%) or trans* (9.8%) identified students. Participants endorsed text messaging as an effective way to reach college students but diverged in specific content they felt was relevant and appropriate for a universal education intervention. Students preferred content describing individual strategies versus those requiring collaboration from friends or potential sex partners. Students also preferred content phrased as suggestions or questions versus declarative statements. Although most participants recognized the value of content related to consent, sexual violence, sexual health, and resources, a few male-identifying participants failed to recognize that content as important to their experience. Maintaining brevity while discussing consent in the overlapping settings of drinking and interpersonal relationships was described as a particular challenge. IMPACT OF THIS WORK ON CAMPUS SEXUAL ASSAULT AND FORENSIC NURSING Students in our sample highlighted the challenges of sharing sexual violence and alcohol-related harm reduction text messaging because of the complexities of rape culture, consent, and interpersonal dynamics during college student drinking events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn C. Anderson
- Associate Professor; College of Nursing, University of Arkansas for Medical Science; 4301 West Markhan Street, Slot 529, Little Rock, AR 72205
| | - Meghan U. Nguyen
- Undergraduate Research Assistant; Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University
| | - Wendy Huynh
- Undergraduate Research Assistant; Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University
| | - Khadeeja Sharif
- Undergraduate Research Assistant; Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University
| | - Jessica E. Draughon Moret
- Associate Professor; Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing, University of California, Davis @DrDraughon
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Schipani-McLaughlin AM, Gilmore AK, Salazar LF, Potter SJ, Stapleton JG, Orchowski LM. Advancing a Comprehensive Multilevel Approach to Sexual Violence Prevention Using Existing Efficacious Programs. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING 2024; 20:20-29. [PMID: 38015061 DOI: 10.1097/jfn.0000000000000457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Sexual violence (SV) is a serious and long-standing public health problem on college campuses. At institutions of higher education, campus administrators, activists, and practitioners have worked for decades to address campus SV. Despite federally mandated campus SV prevention programming, rates of campus SV remain unchanged. The purpose of this commentary is to outline a strategy for enhancing campus SV prevention efforts using a comprehensive multilevel approach utilizing existing efficacious programs. The following three strategies for implementing optimal campus SV prevention are proposed, which include (a) the need to prioritize efficacy, (b) targeting multiple levels of the social ecology, and (c) leveraging the benefits of in-person programming and technology-driven prevention. A call to action is included for both institutions of higher education administrators and practitioners to implement and invest in comprehensive multilevel interventions using existing, efficacious SV programs, ideally combining a technology-based program with an in-person component. Furthermore, a coordinated effort between prevention and response is needed to achieve successful prevention of campus SV and revictimization, including a connection with the community for postassault interventions. Thus, implementing multilevel interventions on college campuses using existing evidence-based programs in combination with a coordinated community response of postassault interventions can bring the campus community together and is optimal to moving the needle on rates of campus SV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jane G Stapleton
- Prevention Innovations Research Center, University of New Hampshire
| | - Lindsay M Orchowski
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University
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Malta M, da Silva AB, da Silva CMF, LeGrand S, Seixas M, Benevides B, Kalume C, Whetten K. Addressing discrimination and violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) persons from Brazil: a mobile health intervention. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2069. [PMID: 37872552 PMCID: PMC10591389 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16857-4] [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: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) experience higher rates of discrimination and violence when compared to cis, heterosexual peers. However, violent crimes and other hate incidents against SGM persons are consistently not reported and prosecuted because of chronic distrust between the SGM community and police. Brazil is one of the most dangerous countries for SGM persons globally. Herein, we describe the development of a mobile health intervention to address the rampant violence against this population, the Rainbow Resistance-Dandarah app. METHODS We conducted community-based participatory research (CBPR) between 2019 and 2020. The study started with in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with representatives of the SGM community from Brazil. Descriptive qualitative data analysis included the plotting of a 'word cloud', to visually represent word frequency, data coding and analysis of more frequent themes related to app acceptability, usability, and feasibility. A sub-sample of SGM tested the app and suggested improvements, and the final version was launched in December 2019. RESULTS Since the app was launched in December 2019, the app recorded 4,114 active SGM users. Most participants are cisgender men (50.9%), self-identified as gay (43.5%), White (47.3%), and aged 29 or less (60.9%). FGDs and IDIs participants discussed the importance of the app in the context of widespread violence toward SGM persons. Study participants perceived this mHealth strategy as an important, effective, and accessible for SGM surviving violence. The CBPR design was highlighted as a key strategy that allowed SGM persons to collaborate in the design of this intervention actively. Some users reported how the panic button saved their lives during violent attacks. CONCLUSIONS Rainbow Resistance-Dandarah app was endorsed as a powerful tool for enhancing reporting episodes of violence/discrimination against SGM persons and a key strategy to connect users with a safe network of supportive services. Results indicate that the app is an engaging, acceptable, and potentially effective mHealth intervention. Participants reported many advantages of using it, such as being able to report harassment and violence, connect with a safe network and receive immediate support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Malta
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada.
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Angelica Baptista da Silva
- Department of Human Rights, Health and Social Diversity, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cosme Marcelo Furtado da Silva
- Department of Epidemiology and Quantitative Methods in Health, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Sara LeGrand
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michele Seixas
- Civil Society Advisory Group, UN Women Brazil, Brasilia, Brazil
- Brazilian Articulation of Lesbians (ABL), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Women's Group Felipa de Sousa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Kathryn Whetten
- Center for Health Policy and Inequalities Research, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Malta M, Silva AB, Silva CMF, LeGrand S, Seixas M, Benevides B, Kalume C, Whetten K. Addressing Discrimination and Violence against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) persons from Brazil: A mobile Health intervention. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2034975. [PMID: 37034615 PMCID: PMC10081355 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2034975/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Sexual and gender minorities (SGM) experience higher rates of discrimination and violence when compared to cis, heterosexual peers. However, violent crimes and other hate incidents against SGM persons are consistently not reported and prosecuted because of chronic distrust between the SGM community and police. Brazil is one of the most dangerous countries for SGM persons in the world. Herein we describe the development of a mobile health intervention to address the rampant violence against this population, the Rainbow Resistance - Dandarah app. Methods We conducted community-based participatory research (CBPR) between 2019-2020. The study started with in-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with representatives of the SGM community from Brazil. Descriptive qualitative data analysis included the plotting of a 'word cloud', to visually represent word frequency, data coding and analysis of more frequent themes related to app acceptability, usability, and feasibility. A sub-sample of SGM tested the app and suggested improvements, and the final version was launched in December 2019. Results Since the app was launched in December 2019, the app recorded 4,114 active SGM users. Most participants are cisgender men (50.9%), self-identified as gay (43.5%), White (47.3%), and aged 29 or less (60.9%). FGDs and IDIs participants discussed the importance of the app in the context of widespread violence toward SGM persons. Study participants perceived this mHealth strategy as an important, effective, and accessible strategy for SGM surviving violence. The CBPR design was highlighted as a key strategy that allowed SGM persons to collaborate in the design of this intervention actively. Some users reported how the panic button saved their lives during violent attacks. Conclusions Rainbow Resistance - Dandarah app was endorsed as a powerful tool for enhancing reporting episodes of violence/discrimination against SGM persons and a key strategy to connect users with a safe network of supportive services. Results indicate that the app is an engaging, acceptable, and potentially effective mHealth intervention. Participants reported many advantages of using it, such as being able to report harassment and violence, connect with a safe network and receive immediate support.
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Sumra M, Asghar S, Khan KS, Fernández-Luna JM, Huete JF, Bueno-Cavanillas A. Smartphone Apps for Domestic Violence Prevention: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5246. [PMID: 37047862 PMCID: PMC10094623 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075246] [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: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Smartphone applications or apps are increasingly being produced to help with protection against the risk of domestic violence. There is a need to formally evaluate their features. OBJECTIVE This study systematically reviewed app-based interventions for domestic violence prevention, which will be helpful for app developers. METHODS We overviewed all apps concerning domestic violence awareness and prevention without language restrictions, collating information about features and limitations. We conducted searches in Google, the Google Play Store, and the App Store (iOS) covering a 10-year time period (2012-2022). We collected data related to the apps from the developers' descriptions, peer reviewed research articles, critical reviews in blogs, news articles, and other online sources. RESULTS The search identified 621 potentially relevant apps of which 136 were selected for review. There were five app categories: emergency assistance (n = 61, 44.9%), avoidance (n = 29, 21.3%), informative (n = 29, 21.3%), legal information (n = 10, 7.4%), and self-assessment (n = 7, 5.1%). Over half the apps (n = 97, 71%) were released in 2020-22. Around a half were from north-east America (n = 63, 46.3%). Where emergency alerts existed, they required triggering by the potential victim. There was no automation. Content analysis showed 20 apps with unique features, including geo-fences, accelerometer-based alert, shake-based alert, functionality under low resources, alert auto-cancellation, anonymous communication, and data encryption. None of the apps deployed artificial intelligence to assist the potential victims. CONCLUSIONS Apps currently have many limitations. Future apps should focus on automation, making better use of artificial intelligence deploying multimedia (voice, video, image capture, text and sentiment analysis), speech recognition, and pitch detection to aid in live analysis of the situation and for accurately generating emergency alerts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehreen Sumra
- Department of Computer Science, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
| | - Sohail Asghar
- Department of Computer Science, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
| | - Khalid S. Khan
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan M. Fernández-Luna
- Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Juan F. Huete
- Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
| | - Aurora Bueno-Cavanillas
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain
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Ranney ML, Stettenbauer EG, Delgado MK, Yao KA, Orchowski LM. Uses of mHealth in Injury Prevention and Control: a Critical Review. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2022; 9:273-281. [PMID: 36404873 PMCID: PMC9644389 DOI: 10.1007/s40471-022-00312-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Reviews The purpose of this review was to summarize the current state of the literature on the use of "mHealth" (the use of mobile devices for health promotion) for injury prevention and control. Recent Findings mHealth is being used to measure, predict, and prevent the full spectrum of injuries. However, most literature remains preliminary or in a pilot stage. Use of best-of-class design principles (e.g., user-centered design, theory-based development) is uncommon, and wide-scale dissemination of effective monitoring or intervention tools is rare. Summary mHealth for injury prevention holds promise, but further work is needed across the full spectrum of development and translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L. Ranney
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School Brown University, Providence, USA
- Brown-Lifespan Center for Digital Health, Providence, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Science, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, USA
| | - E. G. Stettenbauer
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, USA
| | - M. Kit Delgado
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Lindsay M. Orchowski
- Brown-Lifespan Center for Digital Health, Providence, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI USA
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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
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Ford K, Bellis MA, Judd N, Griffith N, Hughes K. The use of mobile phone applications to enhance personal safety from interpersonal violence - an overview of available smartphone applications in the United Kingdom. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1158. [PMID: 35681167 PMCID: PMC9185885 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13551-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Interpersonal violence has devastating implications for individuals, families, and communities across the globe, placing a significant burden on health, justice, and social welfare systems. Smartphone technology may provide a platform for violence prevention interventions. However, evidence on the availability and user experience of smartphone applications aimed to prevent violence is underexplored. Methods Systematic searches of available smartphone applications marketed for personal safety and violence prevention on the Apple Store (IOS) and Google Play (Android) in the United Kingdom were run in May 2021. Relevant applications were downloaded, with data on user reviews and ratings extracted. Included applications were categorised according to their features and functions. Online user reviews were rated according to their sentiment (positive, negative, neutral) and thematically analysed. Results Of 503 applications, 86 apps met review criteria. Only 52 (61%) apps offered full functionality free of charge. Over half (52%) of apps were targeted towards the general population, with 16% targeting women and 13% targeting families. App functionality varied with 22% providing an alarm, 71% sending alerts to pre-designated contacts, 34% providing evidence capture and 26% offering educational information. Overall, 71% of applications had a user rating of four or above. For 61 apps a total of 3,820 user reviews were extracted. Over half (52.4%) of reviews were rated as having a positive sentiment, with 8.8% neutral and 38.8% negative. Key themes across user reviews included positive consequences of app use, technical and usage issues including app reliability, dissatisfaction with the financial cost of some app features and personal data and ethical issues. Conclusions Reviews suggest that users find apps for personal safety and violence prevention useful. However, individuals also report them being unreliable, not working as described and having features that others may exploit. Findings have implications for the development of policy on apps to improve personal safety, especially given recent national policy (e.g. UK) discussions about their utility. Without the regulation or accreditation of such technology for quality assurance and reliability, emphasis needs to be placed on ensuring user safety; otherwise vulnerable individuals may continue to place reliance on untested technology in potentially dangerous circumstances. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13551-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kat Ford
- Public Health Collaborating Unit, School of Medical and Health Sciences, College of Human Sciences, Bangor University, Wrexham, LL13 7YP, UK.
| | - Mark A Bellis
- Public Health Collaborating Unit, School of Medical and Health Sciences, College of Human Sciences, Bangor University, Wrexham, LL13 7YP, UK.,World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on Investment for Health and Well-being, Policy and International Health, Public Health Wales, Wrexham, LL13 7YP, UK
| | - Natasha Judd
- Public Health Collaborating Unit, School of Medical and Health Sciences, College of Human Sciences, Bangor University, Wrexham, LL13 7YP, UK
| | - Nel Griffith
- Public Health Collaborating Unit, School of Medical and Health Sciences, College of Human Sciences, Bangor University, Wrexham, LL13 7YP, UK
| | - Karen Hughes
- Public Health Collaborating Unit, School of Medical and Health Sciences, College of Human Sciences, Bangor University, Wrexham, LL13 7YP, UK.,World Health Organization Collaborating Centre on Investment for Health and Well-being, Policy and International Health, Public Health Wales, Wrexham, LL13 7YP, UK
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