A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of X-Core: A Multilevel Sexual Assault Prevention Intervention for Active-Duty Airmen
Abstract
For the past 3 years, sexual assault (SA) and sexual harassment (SH) within the military have continued to increase, making them significant public health problems. SA can have serious consequences for the survivors and negatively affect productivity, mission readiness, and overall Service Members’ well-being. Both SH and SA can be prevented by implementing interventions that promote healthy relationship skills; however, there is currently no such intervention for active-duty Service Members. We developed Code of Respect (X-CoRe) to fill this gap. X-CoRe is an innovative, web-based, multi-level SA and SH prevention intervention for active-duty Airmen. Consisting of three components (one for Junior Enlisted, Leadership, and the installation), X- CoRe increases Airmen’s knowledge and skills to build and maintain healthy, respectful relationships, ultimately reducing SAs and enhancing Airmen’s overall well-being. The goal of this 4-year cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to determine the efficacy of X-CoRe in preventing SA and SH among Junior Enlisted Airmen, those most at risk for SA and SH. This proposal specifically addresses FY22 TBIPHRP CTA sub-focus areas (2d) development, evaluation, and implementation of crosscutting prevention approaches targeting upstream factors to address adverse outcomes and (2f) solutions to address aspects of workplace culture and climate that are associated with increases in harmful behaviors. This study builds on our strong partnership with our current military advisory group, which will guide the study, and preliminary studies that established X- CoRe’s feasibility and favorability. At the end of this study, we expect to establish the efficacy of X-CoRe in reducing SA and SH among a sample of Junior Airmen while also improving their overall health, well-being, and mission readiness. If effective, X-CoRe can be scaled-up and tested in a Level 3 clinical trial to determine its effectiveness in real-world settings at installations across the U.S.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 04, 2024
- Source ID
- HT94252310763
Entities
People
- Belinda Hernandez
Organizations
- United States Army
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston