Global research priorities for interpersonal violence prevention: a modified Delphi study.

Christopher R Mikton,Masako Tanaka,Harriet L Macmillan,David L Streiner,Jane Fisher,Joam Evans Pim,Bandy X Lee,Mark Tomlinson,Kathy Hegadoren,Shr-Jie Sharlenna Wang,Lil Tonmyr

doi:10.2471/blt.16.172965

Abstract

ObjectiveTo establish global research priorities for interpersonal violence prevention using a systematic approach.MethodsResearch priorities were identified in a three-round process involving two surveys. In round 1, 95 global experts in violence prevention proposed research questions to be ranked in round 2. Questions were collated and organized according to the four-step public health approach to violence prevention. In round 2, 280 international experts ranked the importance of research in the four steps, and the various substeps, of the public health approach. In round 3, 131 international experts ranked the importance of detailed research questions on the public health step awarded the highest priority in round 2.FindingsIn round 2, “developing, implementing and evaluating interventions” was the step of the public health approach awarded the highest priority for four of the six types of violence considered (i.e. child maltreatment, intimate partner violence, armed violence and sexual violence) but not for youth violence or elder abuse. In contrast, “scaling up interventions and evaluating their cost–effectiveness” was ranked lowest for all types of violence. In round 3, research into “developing, implementing and evaluating interventions” that addressed parenting or laws to regulate the use of firearms was awarded the highest priority. The key limitations of the study were response and attrition rates among survey respondents. However, these rates were in line with similar priority-setting exercises.ConclusionThese findings suggest it is premature to scale up violence prevention interventions. Developing and evaluating smaller-scale interventions should be the funding priority.

Highlights

Almost half a million people are victims of homicide every year[1] and one in three women has experienced violence from an intimate partner at some point during her life.[2]
In May 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted a global plan of action to strengthen the role of health systems in addressing interpersonal violence, against women and girls and against children
We carried out the study from October 2010 until September 2013, in consultation with the 20-member Research Agenda Project Group of the WHO-led Violence Prevention Alliance

Summary

Introduction

Almost half a million people are victims of homicide every year[1] and one in three women has experienced violence from an intimate partner at some point during her life.[2]. Over the last two decades, the prevention of interpersonal violence has risen on the international public health agenda.[8] In May 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted a global plan of action to strengthen the role of health systems in addressing interpersonal violence, against women and girls and against children. The 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs) recently adopted by the United Nations include four targets on interpersonal violence: (i) to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls (target 5.2); (ii) to eliminate all harmful practices against women and girls (target 5.3); (iii) to reduce significantly all forms of violence and related deaths everywhere (target 16.1); and (iv) to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against children (target 16.2).[9]

Methods

Results

Conclusion