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Nguyen KA, Myers B, Abrahams N, Jewkes R, Mhlongo S, Seedat S, Lombard C, Garcia-Moreno C, Chirwa E, Kengne AP, Peer N. Symptoms of posttraumatic stress partially mediate the relationship between gender-based violence and alcohol misuse among South African women. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2023; 18:38. [PMID: 37349847 PMCID: PMC10288665 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-023-00549-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The association of traumatic experiences with problematic alcohol use has been described, but data on possible mediation effects of mental distress are sparse. We examined whether mental ill-health mediated the association between trauma exposure across the lifespan and alcohol use. METHOD We analysed cross-sectional data from a sample of rape-exposed and non-rape-exposed women, living in KwaZulu-Natal, with self-reported data on alcohol misuse (AUDIT-C cut-off ≥ 3) and exposure to childhood maltreatment (CM), intimate partner violence (IPV), non-partner sexual violence (NPSV), other traumatic events, and mental ill-health. Logistic regression and multiple mediation models were used to test the mediation effects of symptoms of depression and PTSS on the association between abuse/trauma and alcohol misuse. RESULTS Of 1615 women, 31% (n = 498) reported alcohol misuse. Exposure to any CM (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.59, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.27-1.99), as well as to sexual, physical and emotional CM, were independently associated with alcohol misuse. Lifetime exposure to any IPV (aOR:2.01, 95%CI:1.59-2.54), as well as to physical, emotional and economic IPV, NPSV (aOR: 1.75, 95%CI: 1.32-2.33), and other trauma (aOR:2.08, 95%CI:1.62-2.66), was associated with alcohol misuse. Exposure to an increasing number of abuse types, and other traumatic events, was independently associated with alcohol misuse. PTSS partially mediated the associations of CM, IPV, NPSV and other trauma exposures with alcohol misuse (ps ≤ 0.04 for indirect effects), but depression symptoms did not. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the need for trauma-informed interventions to address alcohol misuse that are tailored to the needs of women who have experienced violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim A. Nguyen
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, 7505 and Durban, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, 4091 South Africa
| | - Bronwyn Myers
- Mental Health, Alcohol, Substances, and Tobacco Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, 7505 Substances South Africa
- Curtin enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102 Australia
| | - Naeemah Abrahams
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Pretoria, 7505, 0001 South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
| | - Rachel Jewkes
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Pretoria, 7505, 0001 South Africa
- Office of the Executive Scientist, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, 7505 South Africa
| | - Shibe Mhlongo
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Pretoria, 7505, 0001 South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- SAMRC Unit on the Genomics of Brain Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carl Lombard
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, 7505 South Africa
| | - Claudia Garcia-Moreno
- UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Esnat Chirwa
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Pretoria, 7505, 0001 South Africa
- School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193 South Africa
| | - Andre P. Kengne
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, 7505 and Durban, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, 4091 South Africa
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
| | - Nasheeta Peer
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, 7505 and Durban, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, 4091 South Africa
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925 South Africa
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Abrahams N, Chirwa E, Mhlongo S, Seedat S, Myers B, Peer N, Kengne AP, Garcia-Moreno C, Lombard C, Jewkes R. Pathways to adverse pregnancy outcomes: exploring the mediating role of intimate partner violence and depression: results from a South African rape cohort study. Arch Womens Ment Health 2023; 26:341-351. [PMID: 37032357 PMCID: PMC10191987 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-023-01312-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023]
Abstract
Adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) are common occurrences that contribute to negative maternal and child health outcomes. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that trauma exposure and depression are drivers of the better-recognised risk factors for miscarriage, abortion and stillbirths. Our comparative cohort study based in Durban, South Africa recruited women who reported a recent rape (n = 852) and those who had never experienced rape (n = 853), with follow-up for 36 months. We explored APOs (miscarriage, abortion or stillbirth) among those having a pregnancy during follow-up (n = 453). Potential mediators were baseline depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms, substance abuse, HbA1C, BMI, hypertension and smoking. A structural equation model (SEM) was used to determine direct and indirect paths to APO. Overall, 26.6% of the women had a pregnancy in the follow-up period and 29.4% ended in an APO, with miscarriage (19.9%) the most common outcome, followed by abortion (6.6%) and stillbirths (2.9%). The SEM showed two direct pathways from exposure to childhood trauma, rape and other trauma, to APO which were ultimately mediated by hypertension and/or BMI, but all paths to BMI were mediated by depression and IPV-mediated pathways from childhood and other trauma to hypertension. Food insecurity mediated a pathway from experiences of trauma in childhood to depression. Our study confirms the important role of trauma exposure, including rape, and depression on APOs, through their impact on hypertension and BMI. It is critical that violence against women and mental health are more systematically addressed in antenatal, pregnancy and postnatal care.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Abrahams
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie Van Zijl Dr, Parow Valley, Cape Town, 7501, South Africa.
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, 7935, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - E Chirwa
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie Van Zijl Dr, Parow Valley, Cape Town, 7501, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - S Mhlongo
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie Van Zijl Dr, Parow Valley, Cape Town, 7501, South Africa
| | - S Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Dr, Parow, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, South African Research Chair in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - B Myers
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie van Zijl Dr, Parow Valley, 7501, Cape Town, South Africa
- Curtin enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, 6102, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
| | - N Peer
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie van Zijl Dr, Parow Valley, 7501, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
| | - A P Kengne
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie van Zijl Dr, Parow Valley, 7501, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, Cape Town, 7700, South Africa
| | - C Garcia-Moreno
- HRP (The UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization (WHO), 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - C Lombard
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie van Zijl Dr, Parow Valley, 7501, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - R Jewkes
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Francie Van Zijl Dr, Parow Valley, Cape Town, 7501, South Africa
- Office of the Executive Scientist, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
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Mhlongo S, Seedat S, Jewkes R, Myers B, Chirwa E, Nöthling J, Lombard C, Peer N, Kengne A, Garcia-Moreno C, Dunkle K, Abrahams N. Depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms two years post-rape and the role of early counselling: Rape Impact Cohort Evaluation (RICE) study. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2237364. [PMID: 37642373 PMCID: PMC10467520 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2237364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Survivors of sexual violence are at higher risk of adverse mental health outcomes compared to those exposed to other interpersonal traumas.Objective: To examine the trajectory of both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression as well as the role of early counselling over 24 months among rape survivors.Method: The South African Rape Impact Cohort Evaluation (RICE) study enrolled women aged 16-40 years attending post-rape care services within 20 days of a rape incident (n = 734), and a comparison group (n = 786) was recruited from primary health care. Women were followed for 24 months; the main study outcomes were depression and PTSD. Reports of early supportive counselling by the exposed group were also included. The analysis included an adjusted joint mixed model with linear splines to account for correlated observations between the outcomes.Results: At 24 months, 45.2% of the rape-exposed women met the cut-off for depression and 32.7% for PTSD. This was significantly higher than levels found among the unexposed. Although a decline in depression and PTSD was seen at 3 months among the women who reported a rape, mean scores remained stable thereafter. At 24 months mean depression scores remained above the depression cut-off (17.1) while mean PTSD scores declined below the PTSD cut-off (14.5). Early counselling was not associated with the trajectory of either depression or PTSD scores over the two years in rape-exposed women with both depression and PTSD persisting regardless of early counselling.Conclusion: The study findings highlight the importance to find and provide effective mental health interventions post-rape in South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Mhlongo
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - S. Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Research Chair in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Unit on the Genomics of Brain Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - R. Jewkes
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Office of the Executive Scientist, South African Medical Research Council, PretoriaSouth Africa
| | - B. Myers
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Curtin enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - E. Chirwa
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - J. Nöthling
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - C. Lombard
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - N. Peer
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - A.P. Kengne
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - C. Garcia-Moreno
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization (WHO)Geneva, Switzerland
| | - K. Dunkle
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - N. Abrahams
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Vuong E, Peer N, Chirwa E, Mhlongo S, Lombard C, Hemmings S, Kengne AP, Abrahams N, Seedat S. Prospective Association of Circulating Adipokines with Cardiometabolic Risk Profile Among Women: The Rape Impact Cohort Evaluation Study. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2022; 3:820-833. [PMID: 36340478 PMCID: PMC9629977 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2022.0069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual violence is associated with poor cardiometabolic outcomes, yet the etiopathogenic pathways remain unclear. Adipokines may contribute to pathways in the development of cardiometabolic disease (CMD), including in vulnerable populations. Further investigation of adipokines among sexually traumatized individuals may inform cardiometabolic screening. This study aimed to investigate the association between circulating adipokines, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and longitudinal change in MetS components (namely abdominal obesity, blood pressure, lipid profile, and glycemic status) over a 1-year period in a cohort of rape exposed (RE) and rape unexposed (RUE) females. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seven hundred seventy-eight RE and 617 RUE black South African women aged 18-40 years were recruited for the Rape Impact Cohort Evaluation study. Nonfasting blood samples were analyzed for cardiometabolic variables and adipokine levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum adiponectin was measured in both RE and RUE and resistin, leptin, and leptin/adiponectin (L/A) ratio in RE only. Associations between baseline serum adipokines, MetS, and its components were assessed at baseline and follow-up using adjusted linear and logistic regressions. RESULTS In the RE group, adiponectin, leptin, and L/A ratio were significantly associated with MetS prevalence cross-sectionally (all p ≤ 0.001). No adipokine marker was related to incident MetS at 12-month follow-up. In the RE group, significant longitudinal associations with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were shown for adiponectin (β = 0.146 [0.064], p = 0.022) and leptin (β = 0.001 [0.002], p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that adipokines may have a potential role as biomarkers to identify RE individuals at high risk for CMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Vuong
- South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI), PTSD Program, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.,Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.,Address correspondence to: Eileen Vuong, MBchB, MMed(Psych), Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, PO Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa,
| | - Nasheeta Peer
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa.,Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Esnat Chirwa
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Shibe Mhlongo
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Carl Lombard
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Sian Hemmings
- South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI), PTSD Program, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.,SAMRC/SU Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
| | - Andre Pascal Kengne
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa.,Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Naeemah Abrahams
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa.,Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI), PTSD Program, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.,Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.,SAMRC/SU Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit, Stellenbosch University, South Africa
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Nguyen KA, Kengne AP, Abrahams N, Jewkes R, Mhlongo S, Peer N. Associations of childhood maltreatment with hypertension in South African women: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057436. [PMID: 36123062 PMCID: PMC9486236 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the associations of childhood maltreatment (CM) with hypertension, and the mediating effects of hypertension risk factors on the associations in South African women, using baseline data of the Rape Impact Cohort Evaluation longitudinal study. DESIGN Cross-sectional SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Self-reported data on CM exposure and its severity in 18-40-year-old women living in KwaZulu-Natal province were assessed. Logistic regression models, adjusted for traditional hypertension risk factors, rape exposure, HIV-infection, other traumatic exposures, depression scores and acute stress reactions (ASR) scores were used to examine the CM-hypertension associations. RESULTS Among 1797 women, 220 (12.2%) had hypertension; CM prevalence was higher in women with hypertension than without hypertension overall (70.9% vs 57.2%) and for each abuse type: sexual abuse (20.9% vs 12.4%), physical abuse (51.8% vs 41.5%), emotional abuse (40% vs 27.6%) and parental neglect (35% vs 25.7%). Exposures to 1-2 types and 3-4 types of CM were 46.4% and 24.5%, respectively, in women with hypertension, and lower in women without (42.9% and 14.3%, respectively). Exposures to any CM (adjusted OR: 1.62; 95% CI: 1.19 to 2.25), sexual abuse (1.64; 95% CI: 1.12 to 2.37), emotional abuse (1.57; 95% CI: 1.16 to 2.13), physical abuse (1.43; 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.92) and parental neglect (1.37; 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.86) were associated with hypertension. Exposures to an increasing number of abuse types and cumulative severity of CM overall (1.13; 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.21) and for each CM type were associated with increased odds of hypertension. Alcohol use, other trauma experienced, depression and ASR partially mediated these associations. CONCLUSION CM was associated with hypertension; the effects were greater with multiple abuse types and severe abuse, and were partially mediated by alcohol use, depression, ASR and other traumatic exposures. While CM must be prevented, effective mental health interventions to curb the uptake of unhealthy behaviours and the development of hypertension in women exposed to CM are key.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Anh Nguyen
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Durban, South Africa
| | - Andre Pascal Kengne
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Western Cape, South Africa
| | - Naeemah Abrahams
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Pretoria, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rachel Jewkes
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Pretoria, South Africa
- Office of the Executive Scientist, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shibe Mhlongo
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Nasheeta Peer
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town and Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Western Cape, South Africa
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Vuong E, Mhlongo S, Chirwa E, Lombard C, Peer N, Hemmings SM, Abrahams N, Seedat S. Serum adiponectin-levels are predictive of probable posttraumatic stress disorder in women. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 20:100477. [PMID: 35982731 PMCID: PMC9379978 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Accumulative evidence indicates a role for adiponectin, a polypeptide secreted by adipose tissue, in the pathophysiology of posttraumatic disorder (PTSD) via metabolic and inflammatory pathways. This study examined adiponectin as a potential predictive biomarker for PTSD among female rape survivors. Methods We evaluated the relationship of baseline serum adiponectin levels to the development of probable PTSD at 3- and 6-months post rape-exposure and compared adiponectin levels between 542 rape-exposed (RE) and 593 rape-unexposed women (RUE). Probable PTSD were defined as Davidson Trauma Scale score ≥40. Data were analysed using multivariate regression models and a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model. We adjusted for clinically relevant covariates associated with PTSD, as well as adiposity indices. Results Participants who were in the mid-and high adiponectin tertile groups versus the lowest tertile group had a significantly reduced risk of probable PTSD among at 6 months follow-up, independent of adiposity(aOR = 0.45[0.22–1.05], p = 0.035; aOR = 0.44[0.22–0.90], p = 0.024). However, there was no effect of group (RE vs. RUE). Limitations Adiponectin assays were conducted on non-fasting blood samples and information on chronic medication, dietary factors and levels of physical activity were not collected. There was a high attrition rate among rape exposed participants. Conclusions Our results show that higher serum adiponectin levels are associated with reduced risk of probable PTSD over a 6-month period. This finding supports the hypothesis that serum adiponectin is a potential risk biomarker for PTSD. The prospective associations between adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory cytokine and development of PTSD was examined in a cohort of rape exposed women. Serum adiponectin levels were inversely associated with probable PTSD at 6 month among control but not rape exposed women. Results suggest that adiponectin may serve as a potential risk biomarker of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Vuong
- South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI), PTSD Program, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.,Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Shibe Mhlongo
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Esnat Chirwa
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa.,School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa
| | - Carl Lombard
- Biostatitistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, South Africa
| | - Nasheeta Peer
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, and Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sian Megan Hemmings
- South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI), PTSD Program, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council / Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Naeemah Abrahams
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, South Africa.,School of Public Health and Family Medicine: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI), PTSD Program, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.,Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council / Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Vuong E, Hemmings SM, Mhlongo S, Chirwa E, Lombard C, Peer N, Abrahams N, Seedat S. Adiponectin gene polymorphisms and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms among female rape survivors: an exploratory study. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2107820. [PMID: 35992226 PMCID: PMC9389930 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2022.2107820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Rape is a common traumatic event which may result in the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), yet few studies have investigated risk biomarkers in sexually traumatised individuals. Adiponectin is a novel cytokine within inflammatory and cardiometabolic pathways with evidence of involvement in PTSD. Objective: This prospective exploratory study in a sample of female rape survivors investigated the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adiponectin gene (ADIPOQ) and posttraumatic stress symptom (PTSS) severity, and the interaction of these SNPs of interest with childhood trauma in modifying the association with PTSS severity. Method: The study involved 455 rape-exposed black South African women (mean age (SD), 25.3 years (±5.5)) recruited within 20 days of being raped. PTSS was assessed using the Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS) and childhood trauma was assessed using a modified version of the Childhood Trauma Scale-Short Form Questionnaire. Eight ADIPOQ SNPs (rs17300539, rs16861194, rs16861205, rs2241766, rs6444174, rs822395, rs1501299, rs1403697) were genotyped using KASP. Mixed linear regression models were used to test additive associations of ADIPOQ SNPs and PTSS severity at baseline, 3 and 6 months following rape. Results: The mean DTS score post-sexual assault was high (71.3 ± 31.5), with a decrease in PTSS severity shown over time for all genotypes. rs6444174TT genotype was inversely associated with baseline PTSS in the unadjusted model (β = -13.6, 95% CI [-25.1; -2.1], p = .021). However, no genotype was shown to be significantly associated with change in PTSS severity over time and therefore ADIPOQ SNP x childhood trauma interaction was not further investigated. Conclusion: None of the ADIPOQ SNPs selected for investigation in this population were shown to be associated with change in PTSS severity over a 6-month period and therefore their clinical utility as risk biomarkers for rape-related PTSD appears limited. These SNPs should be further investigated in possible gene-gene and gene-environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Vuong
- South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI), PTSD Program, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Sian Megan Hemmings
- South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI), PTSD Program, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council / Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shibe Mhlongo
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Esnat Chirwa
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Carl Lombard
- Biostatitistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nasheeta Peer
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Naeemah Abrahams
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI), PTSD Program, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council / Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Nöthling J, Abrahams N, Jewkes R, Mhlongo S, Lombard C, Hemmings SMJ, Seedat S. Risk and protective factors affecting the symptom trajectory of posttraumatic stress disorder post-rape. J Affect Disord 2022; 309:151-164. [PMID: 35427719 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in rape survivors is considerably higher than the prevalence in non-sexual trauma survivors. Few studies have investigated risk and protective factors in survivors early-after-rape in a prospective longitudinal design. METHODS In a sample of 639 rape-exposed women who were assessed within 20 days of rape and over 6 months, baseline data were used to predict PTSD symptom severity scores up to 6 months post-rape. RESULTS The incidence of PTSD at 3 months was 48.5% and the cumulative incidence at 6 months post-rape was 54.8%. Baseline experience of rape stigma (guilt, shame, self-blame, social devaluation and discredit) and depression were significant predictors of PTSD symptom scores over time, in mixed linear regression models. Higher levels of depression and rape stigma were associated with higher PTSD scores. Assault-related factors were not associated with PTSD scores. LIMITATIONS We could not measure PTSD symptom trajectories in all rape survivors, some of who may be at greater risk for PTSD e.g. non-disclosing rape survivors, those who declined participation and those who were extremely distressed at the time of recruitment. CONCLUSION Addressing internalised and externalised stigma and resultant mental health effects on women who present to rape clinics may reduce the long-term adverse effects of rape on mental health outcomes, such as PTSD. Rape survivors who present with high levels of depression soon after a rape should be carefully monitored and appropriately treated in order to reduce PTSD severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani Nöthling
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council Unit on the Genomics of Brain Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa.
| | - Naeemah Abrahams
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa
| | - Rachel Jewkes
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
| | - Shibe Mhlongo
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa
| | - Carl Lombard
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg 7505, South Africa; Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | - Sian Megan Joanna Hemmings
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council Unit on the Genomics of Brain Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa; South African Medical Research Council Unit on the Genomics of Brain Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, P.O. Box 241, Cape Town 8000, South Africa
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O'Doherty L, Carter G, Lutman-White E, Caswell R, Jackson LJ, Feder G, Heron J, Morris R, Brown K. Multi-disciplinary Evaluation of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) for better Health (MESARCH): protocol for a 1-year cohort study examining health, well-being and cost outcomes in adult survivors of sexual assault attending SARCs in England. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e057449. [PMID: 35613767 PMCID: PMC9131084 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-057449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sexual violence is commonplace and has serious adverse consequences for physical and mental health. Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) are viewed as a best practice response. Little is known about their effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Long-term data on the health and well-being of those who have experienced rape and sexual assault are also lacking. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a mixed-methods protocol for a 1-year cohort study aiming to examine the health and well-being in survivors of sexual violence after attending a SARC in England. Quantitative measures are being taken at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Post-traumatic stress (PTS) is the primary outcome (target N=270 at 12-month follow-up). Secondary measures include anxiety, depression, substance use and sexual health and well-being. Using mixed-effects regression, our main analysis will examine whether variation in SARC service delivery and subsequent mental healthcare is associated with improvement in trauma symptoms after 12 months. An economic analysis will compare costs and outcomes associated with different organisational aspects of SARC service delivery and levels of satisfaction with care. A nested qualitative study will employ narrative analysis of transcribed interviews with 30 cohort participants and 20 survivors who have not experienced SARC services. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The research is supported by an independent study steering committee, data monitoring and ethics committee and patient and public involvement (PPI) group. A central guiding principle of the research is that being involved should feel diametrically opposed to being a victim of sexual violence, and be experienced as empowering and supportive. Our PPI representatives are instrumental in this, and our wider stakeholders encourage us to consider the health and well-being of all involved. We will disseminate widely through peer-reviewed articles and non-academic channels to maximise the impact of findings on commissioning of services and support for survivors. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN30846825.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna O'Doherty
- Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Grace Carter
- Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Rachel Caswell
- Sexual Health and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Gene Feder
- Community Based Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jon Heron
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Richard Morris
- School of Social & Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Katherine Brown
- Department of Psychology, Sports Science and Geography, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
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10
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Nguyen KA, Abrahams N, Jewkes R, Mhlongo S, Seedat S, Myers B, Lombard C, Garcia-Moreno C, Chirwa E, Kengne AP, Peer N. The Associations of Intimate Partner Violence and Non-Partner Sexual Violence with Hypertension in South African Women. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074026. [PMID: 35409715 PMCID: PMC8998257 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This study describes associations of intimate partner violence (IPV), non-partner sexual violence (NPSV) and sexual harassment (SH) exposures with hypertension in South African women aged 18–40 years. Baseline data (n = 1742) from the Rape Impact Cohort Evaluation study, including a history of sexual, physical, emotional and economic IPV, NPSV and SH were examined. Hypertension was based on blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg or a previous diagnosis. Logistic regressions were adjusted for traditional hypertension risk factors and previous trauma (e.g., recent rape). Hypertension was more prevalent in women with a history of all forms of IPV, NPSV, and SH, all p ≤ 0.001, compared to women without. Frequent NPSV (adjusted odds ratio: 1.63; 95% CI: 1.27–2.67) any SH (2.56; 1.60–4.03), frequent physical (1.44; 1.06–1.95) and emotional IPV (1.45; 1.06–1.98), and greater severity of emotional IPV (1.05; 1.02–1.08) were associated with hypertension. Current depression, post-traumatic stress symptoms and/or alcohol binge-drinking completely or partially mediated these associations. This study shows that exposure to gender-based violence is associated with hypertension in young women. Understanding the role of psychological stress arising from abuse may enable the development of prevention and management strategies for hypertension among women with histories of abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Anh Nguyen
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (A.P.K.); (N.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Naeemah Abrahams
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (N.A.); (R.J.); (S.M.); (E.C.)
| | - Rachel Jewkes
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (N.A.); (R.J.); (S.M.); (E.C.)
- Office of the Executive Scientist, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Shibe Mhlongo
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (N.A.); (R.J.); (S.M.); (E.C.)
| | - Soraya Seedat
- SAMRC Unit on the Genomics of Brain Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa;
| | - Bronwyn Myers
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa;
- Curtin enAble Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
| | - Carl Lombard
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa;
| | - Claudia Garcia-Moreno
- UNDP/UNFPA/UNICEF/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training (HRP), Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - Esnat Chirwa
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (N.A.); (R.J.); (S.M.); (E.C.)
- School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Andre Pascal Kengne
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (A.P.K.); (N.P.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Nasheeta Peer
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Tygerberg, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (A.P.K.); (N.P.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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11
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Diehl A, Molina de Souza R, Madruga CS, Laranjeira R, Wagstaff C, Pillon SC. Rape, Child Sexual Abuse, and Mental Health in a Brazilian National Sample. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP944-NP967. [PMID: 32401152 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520915546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of self-reported rape and its associations with other forms of violence and mental health outcomes. The Brazilian National Alcohol and Drugs Survey is a probabilistic household survey that collected data from 4,283 Brazilians aged 14 years and older in 2012. The prevalence of rape was 2.3% (n = 107) and the majority (n = 81) of rapes were reported by women. Female gender increased the chances of rape (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.7, 4.3]). Adults aged 35 to 46 years (AOR = 2.0, 95% CI = [1.2, 4.4]) and being without religion (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI = [1.3, 3.8]) were also associated with increased chances of rape. Participants with a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) were 16.5 times (95% CI = [10.1, 26.7]) more likely to report having been raped. Other outcomes related to been raped were history of child prostitution (AOR = 5.1, 95% CI = [2.1, 13.4]) and witnesses of violence during childhood (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI = [1.5, 3.8]). People without social support (AOR≅3, 95% CI = [1.8, 4.3]), victims of multiple recent negative events (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI = [2.4, 5.8]), people with depression (AOR = 2.6, 95% CI = [1.7, 3.9]), history of suicidal ideation (AOR = 3.8, 95% CI = [2.0, 7.1]), and history of suicide attempts (AOR = 2.2, 95% CI = [1.1, 4.3]) are other outcomes related to having been raped. In this sample, rape was related to gender and to other forms of violence and victimization. Self-reports of rape appear to underestimate the true prevalence as the figures obtained from the survey were low. Other methods should be used to investigate this issue.
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12
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Nöthling J, Abrahams N, Toikumo S, Suderman M, Mhlongo S, Lombard C, Seedat S, Hemmings SMJ. Genome-wide differentially methylated genes associated with posttraumatic stress disorder and longitudinal change in methylation in rape survivors. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:594. [PMID: 34799556 PMCID: PMC8604994 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01608-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Rape is associated with a high risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DNA methylation changes may confer risk or protection for PTSD following rape by regulating the expression of genes implicated in pathways affected by PTSD. We aimed to: (1) identify epigenome-wide differences in methylation profiles between rape-exposed women with and without PTSD at 3-months post-rape, in a demographically and ethnically similar group, drawn from a low-income setting; (2) validate and replicate the findings of the epigenome-wide analysis in selected genes (BRSK2 and ADCYAP1); and (3) investigate baseline and longitudinal changes in BRSK2 and ADCYAP1 methylation over six months in relation to change in PTSD symptom scores over 6 months, in the combined discovery/validation and replication samples (n = 96). Rape-exposed women (n = 852) were recruited from rape clinics in the Rape Impact Cohort Evaluation (RICE) umbrella study. Epigenome-wide differentially methylated CpG sites between rape-exposed women with (n = 24) and without (n = 24) PTSD at 3-months post-rape were investigated using the Illumina EPIC BeadChip in a discovery cohort (n = 48). Validation (n = 47) and replication (n = 49) of BRSK2 and ADCYAP1 methylation findings were investigated using EpiTYPER technology. Longitudinal change in BRSK2 and ADCYAP1 was also investigated using EpiTYPER technology in the combined sample (n = 96). In the discovery sample, after adjustment for multiple comparisons, one differentially methylated CpG site (chr10: 61385771/ cg01700569, p = 0.049) and thirty-four differentially methylated regions were associated with PTSD status at 3-months post-rape. Decreased BRSK2 and ADCYAP1 methylation at 3-months and 6-months post-rape were associated with increased PTSD scores at the same time points, but these findings did not remain significant in adjusted models. In conclusion, decreased methylation of BRSK2 may result in abnormal neuronal polarization, synaptic development, vesicle formation, and disrupted neurotransmission in individuals with PTSD. PTSD symptoms may also be mediated by differential methylation of the ADCYAP1 gene which is involved in stress regulation. Replication of these findings is required to determine whether ADCYAP1 and BRSK2 are biomarkers of PTSD and potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani Nöthling
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.
- South African Medical Research Council Unit on the Genomics of Brain Disorders, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Naeemah Abrahams
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Social and Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sylvanus Toikumo
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Unit on the Genomics of Brain Disorders, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Matthew Suderman
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Shibe Mhlongo
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carl Lombard
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Unit on the Genomics of Brain Disorders, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sian Megan Joanna Hemmings
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council Unit on the Genomics of Brain Disorders, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Jewkes R, Mhlongo S, Chirwa E, Seedat S, Myers B, Peer N, Garcia-Moreno C, Dunkle K, Abrahams N. Pathways to and factors associated with rape stigma experienced by rape survivors in South Africa: Analysis of baseline data from a rape cohort. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 29:328-338. [PMID: 34170058 PMCID: PMC9544891 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Rape stigma, both external and self‐stigmatization (self‐blame), is associated with adverse health outcomes. Understanding its origins and resilience factors is critical for reducing and preventing it. We describe the prevalence of rape stigma, the characteristics of women experiencing it and the pathways to experiencing greater stigma. The Rape Impact Cohort Evaluation study enrolled 852 women aged 16–40 years who had been raped from post‐rape care centres in Durban, South Africa. We present a descriptive analysis of the baseline data, a multinomial logistic regression model of factors associated with different levels of stigma and a structural equation model (SEM). Most women reported stigmatizing thoughts or experiences, with self‐stigmatizing thoughts being more prevalent than external stigmatization. The multinomial model showed that experiences of childhood or other trauma, emotional intimate partner violence (IPV), having less gender equitable attitudes and food insecurity were significantly associated with medium or high versus low levels of stigma. Internal and external stigma were significantly associated with each other. Women who had been previously raped reported less stigma. The SEM showed a direct path between food insecurity and rape stigma, with poorer women experiencing more stigma. Indirect paths were mediated by more traditional gender attitudes and childhood trauma experience and other trauma exposure. Our findings confirm the intersectionality of rape stigma, with its structural drivers of food insecurity and gender inequality, as well as its strong association with prior trauma exposure. Rape survivors may benefit from gender‐empowering psychological support that addresses blame and shame.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Jewkes
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Office of the Executive Scientist, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Shibe Mhlongo
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Esnat Chirwa
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Anxiety and Stress Disorder Unit, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bronwyn Myers
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nasheeta Peer
- Non-Communicable Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Claudia Garcia-Moreno
- Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Kristin Dunkle
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Naeemah Abrahams
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Abrahams N, Mhlongo S, Dunkle K, Chirwa E, Lombard C, Seedat S, Kengne AP, Myers B, Peer N, Garcia-Moreno C, Jewkes R. Increase in HIV incidence in women exposed to rape. AIDS 2021; 35:633-642. [PMID: 33264114 PMCID: PMC7924974 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of HIV acquisition in women postrape compared with a cohort of women who had not been raped. DESIGN A prospective cohort study. METHODS The Rape Impact Cohort Evaluation study based in Durban, South Africa, enrolled women aged 16-40 years from postrape care services, and a control group of women from Primary Healthcare services. Women who were HIV negative at baseline (441 in the rape-exposed group and 578 in the control group) were followed for 12-36 months with assessments every 3 months in the first year and every 6 months thereafter. Multivariable Cox regression models adjusted for baseline and time varying covariates were used to investigate the effect of rape exposure on HIV incidence over follow-up. RESULTS Eighty-six women acquired HIV during 1605.5 total person-years of follow-up, with an incident rate of 6.6 per 100 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI): 4.8-9.1] among the rape exposed group and 4.7 per 100 person-years (95% CI: 3.5-6.2) among control group. After controlling for confounders (age, previous trauma, social support, perceived stress, multiple partners and transactional sex with a casual partner), women exposed to rape had a 60% increased risk of acquiring HIV [adjusted hazard ratio: 1.59 (95% CI: 1.01-2.48)] compared with those not exposed. Survival analysis showed difference in HIV incident occurred after month 9. CONCLUSION Rape is a long-term risk factor for HIV acquisition. Rape survivors need both immediate and long-term HIV prevention and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naeemah Abrahams
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town
| | - Shibe Mhlongo
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council
| | - Kristin Dunkle
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council
| | - Esnat Chirwa
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council
| | - Carl Lombard
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Anxiety and Stress Disorder Unit, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch
| | - Andre P. Kengne
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council
| | - Bronwyn Myers
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council
- Division of Addiction Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nasheeta Peer
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council
| | - Claudia Garcia-Moreno
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rachel Jewkes
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council
- Intramural Research Directorate, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town
- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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15
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Abrahams N, Mhlongo S, Chirwa E, Lombard C, Dunkle K, Seedat S, Kengne AP, Myers B, Peer N, García-Moreno CM, Jewkes R. Rape survivors in South Africa: analysis of the baseline socio-demographic and health characteristics of a rape cohort. Glob Health Action 2020; 13:1834769. [PMID: 33314989 PMCID: PMC7738293 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2020.1834769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about women who have experienced a recent rape, and how they differ from women without this exposure. Identifying factors linked to rape is important for preventing rape and developing effective responses in countries like South Africa with high levels of sexual violence. OBJECTIVE To describe the socio-demographic and health profile of women recently exposed to rape and to compare them with a non-rape-exposed group. METHODS The Rape Impact Cohort Evaluation Study (RICE) enrolled 852 women age 16-40 years exposed to rape from post-rape care centres in Durban (South Africa) and a control group of 853 women of the same age range who have never been exposed to rape recruited from public health services. Descriptive analyses include logistic regression modelling of socio-demographic characteristics associated with recent rape exposure. RESULTS Women with recent rape reported poorer health and more intimate partner violence than those who were not raped. They had a lower likelihood of having completed school (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.46 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.24-0.87) and dependence on a government grant as a main source of income (OR 0.61: 95%CI 0.49-0.77). They were more likely to live in informal housing (OR 1.88 95%CI: 1.43-2.46) or rural areas (OR 2.24: 95%CI 1.61-3.07) than formal housing areas - however they were also more likely to report full-time employment (OR 4.24: 95%CI 2.73-6.57). CONCLUSION The study shows that structural factors, such as lower levels of education, poverty, and living in areas of poor infrastructure are associated with women's vulnerability to rape. It also shows possible protection from rape afforded by the national financial safety net. It highlights the importance of safe transportation in commuting to work. Preventing rape is critical for enabling women's full social and economic development, and structural interventions are key for reducing women's vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naeemah Abrahams
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shibe Mhlongo
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Esnat Chirwa
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Carl Lombard
- Biostatistics Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kristin Dunkle
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Anxiety and Stress Disorder Unit, University of Stellenbosch University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Andre Pascal Kengne
- Non-Communicable Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bronwyn Myers
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research Unit, South African Medical Research, Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Addiction Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nasheeta Peer
- Non-Communicable Disease Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Claudia M. García-Moreno
- Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization (WHO), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Rachel Jewkes
- Gender & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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A Systematic Review of the Associations of Adult Sexual Abuse in Women with Cardiovascular Diseases and Selected Risk Factors. Glob Heart 2020; 15:65. [PMID: 33150130 PMCID: PMC7518072 DOI: 10.5334/gh.760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To systematically assess the association between adult sexual abuse (ASA) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) of heart attack and stroke, and their risk factors of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia and obesity. Methods Two authors conducted a PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science review of the literature published prior to 1 October 2019. Relevant English language studies irrespective of study design and data collection techniques were included. Included articles needed to have examined ASA per se independent of physical or psychological/emotional abuse, and childhood sexual abuse. Results Of the 3260 articles identified, nine were selected from 97 full-text articles assessed for eligibility (n = 855 206 women). Six studies were cross-sectional in design while three articles were from longitudinal studies; all emanated from the United States. One study only (n = 867) performed clinical assessments (heights and weights) to determine the relevant outcome (obesity), four presented self-reported outcomes (heart attack, stroke, hypertension, diabetes, obesity), two reviewed clinical records and two did not provide details on outcome assessments (obesity). Sexual abuse by an intimate partner was examined in five articles, three assessed military sexual trauma and a single study evaluated any perpetrator. A meta-analysis could not be conducted because of the heterogeneity across studies. The available evidence was insufficient to quantify the relationship, if any, between ASA and CVDs and their risk factors. Conclusions Currently, no longitudinal studies of ASA in general populations have objectively investigated the development of CVDs and their risk factors using clinical and biochemical measurements. In view of the high CVD burden, and the frequency of ASA, it is important to fully understand the relationship between the two.
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Devries K, Abrahams N. Failure to adequately protect adolescents presenting to London sexual assault services. THE LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2018; 2:625-626. [PMID: 30119753 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(18)30234-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Devries
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London WC1H9SH, UK.
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