Abstract
BackgroundDating violence has an alarming prevalence among Brazilian adolescents. School-based preventive programs have been implemented, but remain isolated initiatives with low reach. Health communication strategies based on innovative technologies with a high potential of diffusion are urgent. This study aimed to develop a computer-tailored intervention to prevent victimization and perpetration of dating violence among Brazilian youth.MethodsThe intervention, called Dating SOS (SOS Namoro), is based on the I-Change Model and attachment theory and is a comprehensive preventive program targeted to young people with a current partner. The intervention design included the stages of needs assessment; definition of objectives of change; development of the library of messages; elaboration of a questionnaire for tailoring feedbacks according to the relevant variables; integration of the content in the software Tailor Builder; pre-testing; and usability and efficacy evaluation planning. Dating SOS is composed of four online sessions. The first session gives a tailored orientation on attachment style and risk perception of violence. The second session addresses knowledge on conflict management, positive and negative social models of intimate relationships and an action plan to improve everyday interactions. The third session covers social norms, self-efficacy and an action plan to cope with conflicts. The fourth session discusses attitudes, social support and an action plan to protect from violence. Improvements on the interface and tailoring refinement was done after pre-testing to improve attractiveness and decrease risk of iatrogenic effects.DiscussionThe principal merit of the present study resides in the development of an innovative strategy based on the qualified use of the internet for education surrounding romantic relationships and the prevention of dating violence among adolescent and young Brazilians, a hitherto unaddressed need in the field. The intervention usability and efficacy should be investigated in further studies.Trial registrationBrazilian Registry of Clinical Trials. RBR-9frj8q. Prospectively registered on July 25, 2019. http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-9frj8q/
Highlights
Dating violence has an alarming prevalence among Brazilian adolescents
The predominant constructs of femininity and masculinity contribute to the normalization of dating violence and make its recognition difficult among Brazilian adolescents, as violent manifestations are taken as expressions of love or playfulness inherent to intimacy [2, 3]
Results of an evaluation of the implementation quality a law aimed at the eradication, prevention, and punishment of domestic violence against women, reveal that educational actions focused on prevention of violence in adolescents, boys or girls, are rare [6]
Summary
Dating violence has an alarming prevalence among Brazilian adolescents. School-based preventive programs have been implemented, but remain isolated initiatives with low reach. The predominant constructs of femininity and masculinity contribute to the normalization of dating violence and make its recognition difficult among Brazilian adolescents, as violent manifestations are taken as expressions of love or playfulness inherent to intimacy [2, 3]. This violence invisibility impedes help-seeking and sustains victimization and perpetration of violence by intimate partners in adolescence. Effective prevention and early intervention services aimed at this type of violence in the adolescent public [5] as well as studies with these purposes are lacking. As opposed to other countries in the Americas, which produce frequent research on the prevention of dating violence among adolescents, there is a scarcity of evidence-based prevention interventions in Brazil [7]
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