PROTOCOL: Technology-based and digital interventions for intimate partner violence: A meta-analysis and systematic...

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Digital Health Interventions
• Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Research

Background:

• Intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• Digital interventions, including mobile and web-based platforms, offer accessible avenues for support.
• Existing evidence on the efficacy of these digital tools for IPV survivors is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current evidence on the intervention and treatment effects of digital (mHealth and eHealth) interventions for IPV survivors.
• To evaluate the impact of these interventions on depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
• To explore variations in outcomes based on study design, sample, and intervention characteristics.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive search strategy was employed across multiple databases, including grey literature, from 2009 onwards.
• Studies were included regardless of language, location, or setting, with no exclusion based on randomization.
• Meta-analysis techniques were used to estimate effect sizes (Hedges' g) for mental health outcomes.

Main Results:

• Digital interventions demonstrated a clinically significant reduction in depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms among IPV survivors.
• Effect sizes ranged from small to large, indicating the utility of these interventions.
• Data on victimization (physical, psychological, sexual) were also analyzed.

Conclusions:

• Digital interventions are a valuable tool for improving mental health outcomes in IPV survivors.
• These interventions show promise in reducing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and overall victimization.
• Further research should focus on identifying optimal delivery methods and intervention components.