Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40781622›Full record

ArticleBMC health services research2025

Enhancing health workforce capacity through life skills-based interventions: evidence from Pakistan on reducing gender-based violence.

Tazeen Saeed Ali, Ambreen Merchant, Warisha Qamar, Zahid Ali Memon, Rubina Barolia, Zulfiqar A Bhutta

Abstract read
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Article in BMC health services research, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Tazeen Saeed AliSchool of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8896-8766
Ambreen MerchantSchool of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. ambreen.merchant@aku.edu.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2276-3661
Warisha QamarSchool of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
Zahid Ali MemonDepartment of Community Health Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5321-8885
Rubina BaroliaSchool of Nursing and Midwifery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.
Zulfiqar A BhuttaInstitute of Global Health Department , Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan.

Funding

Aga Khan Foundation Canada 532400
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundGender-based violence is a pervasive issue in Pakistan, necessitating effective interventions to enhance the responsiveness of healthcare workers' capacity to respond effectively to Gender-based violence. This study aims to strengthen the health system's response to Gender-based violence by implementing a need-based Life Skills-Based Training program for healthcare providers in Pakistan.

methodA quasi-experimental pre-post study design was employed. The intervention, i.e., Life Skills-Based Training program was implemented across four diverse districts Matiari and Shadadkot (Sindh), Chitral (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), and Gilgit (Gilgit-Baltistan) to ensure geographic and sociocultural variation. A total of 84 healthcare providers and 78 stakeholders were purposively selected based on their roles in patient care or Gender-based violence-related policymaking. Life Skills-Based Training was delivered over six days at each site, including tailored modules for healthcare providers and stakeholders, focusing on Gender-based violence concepts, screening, counseling, referral pathways, and system-level advocacy. A pre- and post-test assessment was administered to measure changes in knowledge, competencies, and attitudes using structured questionnaires adapted from UNHCR and UNICEF tools. Quantitative analysis of score improvements and qualitative feedback were used to evaluate training effectiveness.

resultsA comparative analysis of pre- and post-test assessments demonstrated significant improvements in participants' Gender-based violence knowledge, awareness, and case management skills, with high satisfaction reported in Life Skills-Based Training evaluations. Feedback highlighted themes such as the effectiveness of training, the need for competent professionals, involving community leaders, replicating sessions, government health system responses, and integrating Gender-based violence education into curricula. Follow-up results demonstrated the sustainability of interventions, with participants actively applying their knowledge and leading community education.

conclusionThe study highlights the need for continuous capacity-building and integrating Gender-based violence education into healthcare and educational systems to improve support for survivors. Strengthening the health workforce with targeted training and protocols is essential for addressing Gender-based violence effectively, offering a framework for similar efforts in other regions to foster equitable and responsive healthcare.

Indexed as

Capacity BuildingGender-Based ViolenceHealth PersonnelAdultFemaleHumansMalePakistanSurveys and QuestionnairesGender-based violenceHealthcare professionalsLife Skills-based training and educationLow and middle-income countries.Stakeholders

Identifiers

PMID40781622
PMCPMC12333159

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.