Depression and Sexual Trauma Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in HIV-Prevention Research in Tanzania.

Journal: Maternal and child health journal

Volume: 24

Issue: 5

Year of Publication: 2020

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Chapel Drive Box , Durham, NC, , USA. emily.cherenack@duke.edu. , FHI , Blackwell Street, Durham, NC, , USA. School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Trent Drive, Durham, NC, , USA.

Abstract summary 

Clinical trials are necessary to test HIV-prevention strategies among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan Africa. Psychosocial risk factors that increase girls' and young women's vulnerability for HIV may also impact their experiences in clinical trials. A better understanding of psychosocial risks among girls and young women enrolled in HIV-prevention research is needed. This analysis explores depression and sexual trauma among adolescent girls and young women enrolled in a mock microbicide trial in Tanzania.We collected cross-sectional data from 135 HIV-negative adolescent girls and young women between 15 and 21 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania enrolled in a mock microbicide trial. Depression, sexual behavior, and sexual trauma were measured. Sexual trauma and demographic variables were entered into a multivariate binomial logistic regression model predicting depression.Overall, 27% of participants had moderate-to-severe depression. The most commonly endorsed items were anhedonia (lack of interest/pleasure) and low mood, which were reported by 78% of participants. Thoughts of suicide or self-harm were endorsed by 17% of participants. Coerced/forced first sex was reported by 42% of participants. Participants reporting coerced/forced first sex had 3.16 times the likelihood of moderate-to-severe depression.Depression and coerced/forced sex were common among participants in an HIV-prevention mock clinical trial in Tanzania. When enrolling adolescent girls and young women in HIV-prevention trials in sub-Saharan Africa, our research suggests the need for a trauma-informed approach, referrals for trauma and depression, and interventions that address the impact of depression and trauma on HIV prevention, clinical trial adherence, and clinical outcomes.

Authors & Co-authors:  Cherenack Emily M EM Tolley Elizabeth E EE Kaaya Sylvia S Headley Jennifer J Baumgartner Joy Noel JN

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Adewuya AO, Ola BA, & Afolabi OO (2006). Validity of the patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9) as a screening tool for depression amongst Nigerian university students. Journal of Affective Disorders, 96(1–2), 89–93. 10.1016/j.jad.2006.05.021
Authors :  5
Identifiers
Doi : 10.1007/s10995-020-02888-5
SSN : 1573-6628
Study Population
Women,Girls
Mesh Terms
Adolescent
Other Terms
Clinical trials;Depression;HIV;Mental health;Sexual trauma;Tanzania
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Country of Study
Tanzania
Publication Country
United States