Date of Award

Spring 5-11-2018

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Degree Name

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Department

Public Health

First Advisor

Dr. Shanta Dube

Second Advisor

Mr. Mustafa Rahimi

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is any behavior within an intimate relationship, physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, or a combination of all the above, that causes harm. Domestic violence, also known as intimate partner violence, has been recognized as a preventable public health concern by health care professionals. Leaving their abusive situations is a harrowing process for survivors. While resources and support systems exist, accessing these resources is a difficult and trying process.

AIM: The purpose of this capstone is to consolidate evidence-informed and evidence-based resources into a single mobile application that can be utilized by survivors of violence and to serve as a tool to provide information to facilitate their recovery from abusive situations.

METHODS: Prior to starting the capstone, informal discussions with key stakeholders were held to validate the observation of lack of knowledge among survivors of intimate partner violence on accessing formal resources. Market research was performed, and no similar consolidated application of resources was found. Formal resources to be included in the application were identified by conducting a literature review and accessing government websites which serve the target population. By attending local panels and forums about domestic violence, the resources available in the Metro-Atlanta area were identified.

RESULTS: The target population for the feasibility study will be domestic violence survivors. The evidence-informed and evidence-based resources identified were information regarding formal resources. The proposed application will include a validated risk assessment, The Danger Assessment, an ecological momentary assessment (on subjective well-being), a journal, safety planning checklists, and short, informative videos. The Danger Assessment has been previously validated and found to have predictive validity for the target population. The assessment will provide survivors the ability to track the dangerousness and lethality of their abusive situations over time. It is a short assessment, which can be filled out by the survivor and takes around twenty minutes to fill out.

DISCUSSION: The application content will be hosted on an existing mobile platform, mWELL©™, which has already been developed by the Capstone Chair (Dr. Dube). A multi-phase feasibility study of the mobile app contents and functionality will be conducted, starting with the risk assessment. The feasibility will test for ease of use of assessment, comprehensibility, and acceptability of use within the mobile application. The second phase will test the videos and other content. All modifications will be made based on feasibility study findings, before it is finally launched.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/12005400

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