K01TW011775

Adapting a Low-Cost Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Mental Health Response Intervention for Women in Informal Settlements in Kenya - Project Summary/Abstract

The purpose of this international research scientist development award (K01) is to provide the candidate with the training and expertise needed to transition into an independent global health researcher with expertise in the science of violence- and health-related intervention in informal settlements. Globally, 30% of women have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). Prevention and response to IPV is critical; yet few interventions have been adapted for residents of informal settlements.

Currently, 56% of the 3 million residents in Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya, live in informal settlements, and this population is likely to double by 2050. Research carried out in 2012 in Kibera, the largest informal settlement in Nairobi, reported that 85% of women have experienced IPV in their lifetime, and a 2018 study reported that 66% of women in similar Nairobi settlements experienced IPV in the past year. Women experiencing IPV are more likely to also experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.

In 2014, Kenya identified reduction of and response to violence against women (VAW) as a priority health area in national policies and strategic plans; yet, no screening or response protocols have been adopted in clinics in informal settlements for IPV survivors. The aims of this study are, therefore, to:

1) Identify potential facilitators and barriers to screening and intervention for IPV and related mental health challenges in healthcare settings in informal settlements in Kenya;
2) Combine an IPV (WINGS) and mental health (PM+) response intervention and adapt the combined (WINGS+PM+) intervention for use in existent healthcare settings in informal settlements in Nairobi; and
3) Pilot test the adapted WINGS+PM+ intervention through a randomized control trial with 130 women to assess the safety, feasibility, and acceptability of WINGS+PM+ versus PM+-only as the foundation for a low-cost IPV services package that can expand services to women experiencing IPV in informal settlements.

The proposed career development plan has been designed to augment the applicant's experience researching VAW and women's health in informal settlements in Kenya and enable her to:

1) Gain research skills in the design and adaptation of violence- and health-related interventions, with an emphasis on low-cost interventions that can be carried out by lay community members in healthcare settings in informal settlements;
2) Obtain methodological expertise in the design, adaptation, delivery, and assessment of feasibility and acceptability of interventions;
3) Cultivate important relationships with global health experts, intervention scientists, and healthcare providers in informal settlements in Kenya and East Africa; and
4) Increase her professional skills for a successful independent global health research career, including grantmanship, manuscript writing, and collaborative interdisciplinary and international research.

The training goals will be achieved through didactic courses, specialized workshops and seminars, hands-on research, and mentoring from an interdisciplinary team of experts in both the U.S. and Kenya. The research findings and methodological skills to be gained from this IRSDA (K01) have important applicability for health research in Kenya.

The Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York

THE JOHN E. FOGARTY INTERNATIONAL CENTER (FIC) SUPPORTS RESEARCH AND RESEARCH TRAINING TO REDUCE DISPARITIES IN GLOBAL HEALTH AND TO FOSTER PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN U.S. SCIENTISTS AND THEIR COUNTERPARTS ABROAD. FIC SUPPORTS BASIC BIOLOGICAL, BEHAVIORAL, AND SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH, AS WELL AS RELATED RESEARCH TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT. THE RESEARCH PORTFOLIO IS DIVIDED INTO SEVERAL PROGRAMS THAT SUPPORT A WIDE VARIETY OF FUNDING MECHANISMS TO MEET PROGRAMMATIC OBJECTIVES.

93.989 - International Research and Research Training

Fogarty International Center (FIC) [HHS - NIH]

New York, New York 100275927 United States

Single Zip Code

International Research Scientist Development Award (IRSDA) (K01 Independent Clinical Trial Required) (PAR-21-105)

Amendment Since initial award the total obligations have increased 404% from $179,778 to $905,359.