Citation

Shayani DR, Danitz SB, Low SK, Hamilton AB, Iverson KM. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022; 19(5): 2513.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, MDPI: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)

DOI

10.3390/ijerph19052513

PMID

35270204

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem that is commonly experienced by women and associated with psychosocial health issues. Recovering from IPV through Strengths and Empowerment (RISE) is a brief, clinician-administered, variable-length (1-6 sessions), modular, individualized psychosocial counseling intervention developed for women experiencing IPV. We present qualitative feedback and quantitative helpfulness ratings from women patients of the Veterans Health Administration who completed a randomized clinical trial (RCT) comparing RISE to a clinician-administered advocacy-based Enhanced Care as Usual (ECAU; a single structured session consisting of psychoeducation, safety-planning, resources, and referrals).

METHODS: 58 participants ((M)age = 39.21) completed post-intervention semi-structured qualitative interviews, including helpfulness ratings, at two follow-up assessments (10- and 14-weeks post-enrollment) to assess the acceptability, usefulness, and perceived fit of the interventions for women's needs. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed using a hybrid deductive-inductive analytic approach.

RESULTS: While both the RISE and ECAU interventions were deemed helpful (interventions were rated as 'highly helpful' by 77% of RISE and 52% of ECAU participants), differences were identified in perceived impacts of the intervention, application of content, approach to patient-centeredness, and implementation recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings shed light on women Veterans' experiences and preferences for IPV psychosocial counseling interventions. Such knowledge can inform evidence-based, trauma-informed, and individualized care for women Veterans who experience IPV and may have relevance to other populations of women who experience IPV.

Language: en

Keywords

qualitative research; intimate partner violence; treatment; patient preferences; women veterans