Using a smartphone app to help women in Kenya cope with climate change and intimate partner violence.
Official title: Development and testing of a smartphone-delivered climate adaptation and IPV and related stress intervention for residents of informal settlements in Kenya using ecological momentary approaches
Funded at Africa Institute of Mental and Brain Health · NIH-10930930 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a helpful smartphone app for women in informal settlements in Kenya who are facing intimate partner violence, aiming to support them by tracking their experiences and connecting them to resources while also addressing climate challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Africa Institute of Mental and Brain Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nairobi, Kenya) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $138,349 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MH134257-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930930 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women living in informal settlements in Kenya who are survivors of intimate partner violence.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in informal settlements or who are not experiencing intimate partner violence may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop and test a smartphone application designed to assist women living in informal settlements in Kenya who are experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV). The app will collect real-time data on IPV experiences, emotional stress, and access to support services, while also providing resources for climate adaptation. By utilizing ecological momentary intervention and assessment techniques, the study seeks to enhance the safety and well-being of these women in the face of climate-related challenges. Participants will be engaged in a pilot program to evaluate the app's effectiveness in improving their circumstances.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower women in informal settlements to better manage the impacts of climate change and IPV, leading to improved safety and mental health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of integrating climate adaptation with IPV intervention is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in using technology to support vulnerable populations.
Where this research is happening
-
Africa Institute of Mental and Brain Health
Nairobi, Kenya Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Musyimi, Christine Wayua — Africa Institute of Mental and Brain Health
- Study coordinator: Musyimi, Christine Wayua
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.