Community Support Network Rehabilitation Intervention Improves Cognitive Functions in Women Who Experienced Intimate Partner Violence-Caused Brain Injury: A Preliminary Study

Background: Survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV)-caused brain injury (BI) demonstrate cognitive impairments, which ultimately impact quality of life (QoL). Therefore, therapeutic interventions for IPV-BI are required, similar to those for BI from other causes. Objective: To examine the potential feasibility and signs of effectiveness of the community support network (CSN) rehabilitation intervention for promoting recovery of cognitive functions in survivors of IPV-BI. Methods: Women with a mean age of 42.87 years who experienced IPV-BI were recruited from women’s shelters and gender-based violence community organizations. The CSN was administered remotely. Each session lasted for about 2.5 hours for 2 days/week for 3 months (compressed) or for 1 day/week for 6 months (expanded) protocol. The program also included biweekly counseling and monthly peer support. Cognitive functions were assessed before and after the intervention, and at 3/6 months follow up using the Creyos, and Brainex symbol relation assessments (BSRA). The traumatic BI-QoL and the Brain Injury Severity Assessment (BISA) were used to assess QoL and probable IPV-BI, respectively. Results: The results showed an adequate (89%) proportion of recruitment and excellent (100%) adherence to the intervention. Furthermore, we found a statistically significant difference in the average score between pre- and post-intervention on the BSRA ( Z = 2.39, p = 0.016, effect size: 0.84). Both the Creyos assessment and TBI-QoL showed an improved trend following the intervention. Conclusion: The CSN was feasibly implemented in survivors of IPV-BI. The preliminary findings were promising in improving cognitive functions. However, larger-scale studies are necessary to establish the effectiveness of the intervention.