Identifying and Addressing Confounding Bias in Violence Prevention Research

Abstract

Purpose of review:Violence prevention research has enhanced our understanding of individual and community risk and protective factors for aggression and violence. However, our knowledge of risk and protective factors for violence is highly dependent on observational studies, since there are few randomized trials of risk and protective factors for violence. Observational studies are susceptible to systematic errors, specifically confounding, and may lack internal validity.Recent findings: Many violence prevention studies utilize methods that do not correctly identify the set of covariates needed for statistical adjustment. This results in unwarranted matching and restriction leading to further confounding or selection bias. Covariate adjustment based on purely statistical criteria generates inconsistent results and uncertain conclusions.Summary: Conventional methods used to identify confounding in violence prevention research are often inadequate. Causal diagrams have potential to improve the understanding and identification of potential confounding biases in observational violence prevention studies, and methods like sensitivity analysis using quantitative bias analysis can help to address unmeasured confounding. Violence research studies should make more use of these methods.

Mental Health Professionals' Perspectives on Group Intervention for Women Survivors Intimate Partner Violence: A Qualitative study

“…A similar study also revealed that addressing and understanding the factors in uencing IPV is important for helping further research on preventing violence. [11]The results of the present study showed that survivors need to be screened for mental health care; a similar study revealed that female survivors of IPV are more likely than women not exposed to IPV to report needing mental health services. [21]A similar study also revealed the need for programming and research to address this connection between alcohol and intimate partner violence.…”

“…[10] Rationale for the study Group work plays a vital role in addressing intimate partner violence (IPV) among the women survivors. [11] Group interventions improve physical health, interpersonal connections, and re-engagement in various aspects of IPV survivors. [12] Group interventions create a supportive and empowering environment where women can share their experiences [13], receive validation, and combat feelings of isolation and shame.…”