Global development and diffusion of outcome evaluation research for interpersonal and self-directed violence prevention from 2007 to 2013: A systematic review

Abstract

Through a global review, we identified gaps in the geographical distribution of violence prevention evidence outcome evaluation studies and the types of violence addressed. Systematic literature searches identified 355 articles published between 2007 and 2013 that evaluated programs to prevent interpersonal or self-directed violence; focused on universal or selected populations; and reported outcomes measuring violence or closely related risk factors. The number of studies identified increased annually from 2008 (n = 37), reaching 64 in 2013. Over half (n = 203) of all studies focused on youth violence yet only one on elder maltreatment. Study characteristics varied by year and violence type. Only 9.3% of all studies had been conducted in LMICs. These studies were less likely than those in high income countries (HICs) to have tested established interventions yet more likely to involve international collaboration. Evaluation studies successfully established in LMIC had often capitalized on other major regional priorities (e.g. HIV). Relationships between violence and social determinants, communicable and non-communicable diseases, and even economic prosperity should be explored as mechanisms to increase the global reach of violence prevention research. Results should inform future research strategies and provide a baseline for measuring progress in developing the violence prevention evidence-base, especially in LMICs.

Keywords: Evaluation; Evidence; Global health; Violence prevention.

Fig. 1

Flow chart of the search process.*. *The seven electronic databases searched were: Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Criminal Justice Abstracts (CJA), Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), Medline, National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS), and PsycINFO.

Fig. 2

Geographical spread of peer review publications on violence prevention outcome evaluation studies, 2007–2013.

Fig. 3

Types of interventions evaluated in articles, by type of violence addressed.^a. ^aInterventions that focused on developing participants' interpersonal or practical skills were categorized as skills-based programs, except for those focusing on enhancing parental abilities, which were classed as parenting programs. Interventions in which parents or parents and schools worked with children to develop parent–child relationships were classed as parent/child/school programs. Home visitation refers to services offered in the home to expectant parents and families with new babies or young children. Multi-component programs include those that incorporate a range of interventions, typically operating at a community level. Behavior management interventions are those aimed at teachers, medical staff or other people in positions of authority to provide strategies for dealing with problematic behavior. Other interventions include: a vitamin and mineral supplementation program; a conditional cash transfer program; and a transitional living program.