JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Numerous studies have demonstrated that exposure to caregiver intimate partner violence (IPV) can have cascading negative impacts on children that elevate risk of involvement in dating abuse during adolescence. This cascade may be prevented by programs that support healthy relationship development in children exposed to IPV. This paper describes the results of a feasibility and acceptability study of the online adaptation of an evidence-based dating abuse prevention program for IPV-exposed youth and their maternal caregivers. Core information and activities from an evidence-based program, Moms and Teens for Safe Dates (MTSD), were adapted to create the web-based program (eMTSD), which comprises one brief online module for mothers-only and five modules for mother-adolescent dyads to complete together.

Objective:

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the web-based eMTSD program and the associated research processes. We also examined the practicability of randomizing mothers to receive text message reminders and an action planning worksheet, which were intended to support engagement in the program.

Methods:

Mothers were recruited through community organizations and social media advertising and were eligible to participate if they: had at least one adolescent aged 12 to 16 years of any gender identity who was willing to do the program them, had experienced IPV after their adolescent was born, and were not currently living with an abusive partner. All mothers were asked to complete the program with their adolescent over a six-to-eight-week period. Participants were randomized to receive text message reminders and/or action planning using a 2 x 2 factorial design. Research process feasibility was assessed by tracking recruitment, randomization, enrollment, and attrition rates. Program feasibility was assessed by tracking program uptake, usage, completion, duration, and technical problems and acceptability was assessed via online surveys.

Results:

Over a six-month recruitment period, 101 eligible mother-adolescent dyads enrolled in the study and were eligible for follow-up. The median age of adolescent participants was 14 years; 58% (n=57) identified as female, 33% (n=44) as male, and 10% (n=10) as gender diverse. All dyads were successfully randomized to condition. All but one mother accessed the program website at least once; 87% (n=88) completed at least one mother-adolescent program module; and 74% (n=75) completed all six program modules. Both mothers and adolescents found the program to be highly acceptable; across all program modules, over 90% of mothers and over 80% of adolescents reported that the modules kept their attention, were enjoyable, were easy-to-do, and provided useful information.

Conclusions:

Findings suggest the feasibility of online delivery and evaluation of the eMTSD program as well as high program acceptability among the target population. Future research is needed to assess program efficacy and identify predictors and outcomes of program engagement. Clinical Trial: International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): DERR1-10.2196/35487