Evaluation of the measurement properties of intimate partner violence screening instruments for the general population: A COSMIN-based international systematic review

PLoS One. 2024 Nov 14;19(11):e0310297. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0310297. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Aim: To systematically appraise, compare, and summarize the measurement properties of intimate partner violence screening instruments for the general population and provide recommendations.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global and EBSCO Psychology Behavioral Sciences Collection from their establishment to March 2024 using systematic search strategies. The methodological quality of the instruments that met the inclusion criteria and their measurement properties were assessed using the COSMIN methodology, and the COSMIN recommendations were followed. We reported this study using PRISMA 2020 checklist.

Results: A total of 23 studies were eventually included, and 18 instruments were identified. The evaluation of the methodological quality indicates poor content validity but good structural validity; however, that of the criterion validity in most of the studies was inadequate. Measurement error and responsiveness were not assessed. Four screening instruments could be used in the interim. The remaining 14 instruments were not recommended for use.

Conclusions: The overall methodological quality of most of the assessed instruments was insufficient. A rigorous intimate partner violence screening instrument with good measurement properties is urgently required to identify and screen for intimate partner violence in the general population.

Prospero number: CRD42022365247.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intimate Partner Violence*
  • Male
  • Mass Screening / methods
  • Surveys and Questionnaires

Grants and funding

This research was funded by the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province (grant number 2022JJ40641) and the Changsha Natural Science Foundation (grant number kq2202114). The funders had no role in the methods, data extraction, data synthesis, or preparation of the manuscript.