IPV
Is intimate partner violence an effect modifier for psychosocial interventions for women’s mental health in Ethiopia? A randomised feasibility study
Background:
Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to behaviour by a partner or ex-partner, which causes physical, sexual or psychological harm. Lifetime prevalence of IPV exposure among women in rural Ethiopia is 72% and prevalence is highest during pregnancy. The relationship between IPV and mental health is bidirectional: IPV increases the risk of mental disorders, which themselves increase vulnerability to IPV. IPV also increases the risk of child mortality associated with maternal depression in Ethiopia, making antenatal care (ANC) an important opportunity for intervention.
Overall Aim:
To conduct a randomised feasibility study and process evaluation of a perinatal psychosocial intervention (problem solving therapy: PST) for common mental disorders (CMDs) adapted to address IPV (‘PST-IPV’) in rural Ethiopia.
Objectives:
To determine the feasibility and acceptability of a future, fully-powered randomised controlled trial of PST-IPV in rural Ethiopia.
To refine PST-IV in response to a mixed methods process evaluation, which determines the feasibility, acceptability, fidelity and quality of implementation of PST-IPV, explores causal mechanisms and identifies contextual factors influencing outcomes.
Methods:
Three-arm randomised feasibility study of PST-IPV (four sessions), PST (four sessions) and information only (about sources of support), for 60 pregnant women in rural Sodo with depressive symptoms and functional impact, who are experiencing IPV.
Mixed-methods process evaluation of (1), comprising a comprehensive review of study operations and conduct, to address the study’s specific aims.
Expected results:
Results will inform the design of a future, fully-powered randomised controlled trial of PST-IPV.
Funding:
The UK National Institute of Health Research (NIHR)