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Maternal and Child Health Journal

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01-05-2020 | Affective Disorder

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

Authors: Emily M. Cherenack, Elizabeth E. Tolley, Sylvia Kaaya, Jennifer Headley, Joy Noel Baumgartner

Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal | Issue 5/2020

Abstract

Purpose

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.

Methods

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.

Findings

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.

Conclusions

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.

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Title: Depression and Sexual Trauma Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in HIV-Prevention Research in Tanzania
Authors: Emily M. Cherenack
Elizabeth E. Tolley
Sylvia Kaaya
Jennifer Headley
Joy Noel Baumgartner
Publication date: 01-05-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Affective Disorder
Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Affective Disorder
Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 1092-7875
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6628
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-020-02888-5

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Springer Medicine

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

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Findings

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

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Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Findings

Conclusions

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