Applied IPV measurement (aim) shortcourse

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) awarded a $422,266 Project Grant (CFDA 93.865 - Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research) to The Johns Hopkins University. The 2-year grant, effective September 12, 2024, will fund the development and implementation of an "Applied IPV Measurement (AIM) Shortcourse" to advance skills in intimate partner violence (IPV) measurement and research. The project aims to: 1) develop an educational curriculum to enhance IPV measurement and research capabilities for diverse populations, 2) pilot and launch an online accelerated short course on these topics, and 3) foster a community of trainees and provide ongoing mentoring to apply their new skills. This training initiative is intended to build national capacity to integrate IPV considerations into maternal health research and mitigate preventable maternal mortality and morbidity, especially for populations disproportionately affected.

Abstract

Homicide, often at the hands of intimate partners, is a leading cause of pregnancy-related death. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread and serious public health problem. Globally, 30% of ever- partnered women experience physical or sexual IPV, and over one third of female homicides are perpetrated by intimate partners. Significant evidence demonstrates that IPV is a preventable cause of maternal mortality, and poor health before, during, and after pregnancy, including severe maternal morbidity, especially for populations that are disproportionately affected by maternal mortality and severe morbidity. The evidence base on IPV has yet to translate evidence into effective interventions to improve maternal health and safety and promote health equity. A core competency for maternal health researchers is understanding how to best measure IPV and conduct IPV-related research in accordance with ethical protections specific to this topic. These skills are critical building blocks to integrate IPV concepts within clinical, epidemiological, and intervention research and practice in maternal health. Yet to date, dedicated IPV-related coursework in health- related graduate and professional programs is quite limited. IPV is often included only peripherally within coursework, and does not cover the nuances of measurement across populations, necessary ethical protections, and importantly, the culturally-specific assessments and interventions necessary for successful implementation and impact to achieve health equity. IPV-related training is thus an actionable GAP in our national ability to understand and address IPV as a threat to maternal health and health equity. Our experienced, multidisciplinary team thus proposes a 2-year training project to: 1) develop an applied educational curriculum to advance IPV measurement and research skills for diverse populations, 2) pilot and implement the curriculum through an online accelerated short course within the johns hopkins university institute series, and 3) accelerate IPV research skills application by fostering community among trainees, and providing ongoing mentoring and technical support as they build and apply their new skills. Our project fills a critical GAP in available training and accelerates progress on national goals of improved maternal health and pregnancy outcomes through equipping the clinical and research workforce with specific skills and knowledge necessary to integrate IPV-related experiences within maternal health research. The training will accelerate the quality and impact of IPV-related clinical and intervention-related maternal health research for populations in greatest need. In doing so, we advance national capacity to mitigate preventable maternal mortality, decrease severe maternal morbidity, and promote health equity.