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Methazia JJ, Bessenaar TP, Baum SE. " We mostly focus on preventing pregnancy, we don't really focus on preventing HIV … ": Young people's perceptions and priorities when preventing unplanned pregnancy and HIV. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AIDS RESEARCH : AJAR 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38426482 DOI: 10.2989/16085906.2023.2279646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
In South Africa, the high rate of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among young people and unplanned pregnancies remains a concern. Using a qualitative approach, this study aimed to explore how young people between 18 and 24 years old perceive the risk of unplanned pregnancy and HIV, and how they give priority to and act to prevent both concerns. Fifty-four young people were recruited from three provinces in South Africa: KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Gauteng. Data collection took place between May and June in 2016. All data collection was carried out in person using a standardised discussion guide and a semi-structured interview guide in English. We conducted eight focus group discussions with young people and three in-depth interviews with young people who had become parents in their teens. We utilised thematic analysis grounded in a social constructionist framework to assess patterns and associations in the data. Respondents reported unplanned pregnancy and HIV as prevalent among their peers, but prioritised both concerns differently. Preventing pregnancy was a greater priority and threat than HIV. Respondents were less concerned about being infected with HIV which was perceived as invisible and not a death sentence because of the efficacy and ease of use of treatment. HIV was considered comparatively more manageable and less burdensome than other chronic illnesses and unplanned pregnancy. Our study suggests unplanned pregnancy and HIV prevention interventions should prioritise responding to young people's primary desire to control their fertility, but also encourage them to have holistic sexual and reproductive health goals that include HIV prevention. Our findings suggest a pressing need for biomedical therapies that offer combined HIV and pregnancy prevention for young people. Future programmes need to be agile and innovative in addressing young people's tendency to prioritise HIV and pregnancy differently, and they need to revive the sense of urgency to prevent HIV.
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Biluala F, Kayembe HC, Batumbo D, Kapour G, Mumbanza F, Bokabo E, Longo-Mbenza B, Zinga B. Magnitude and factors associated with sexual re-victimization among adolescent girls and young women in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: a retrospective multicenter study. Reprod Health 2023; 20:179. [PMID: 38057905 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-023-01710-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent girls and young women are more exposed to sexual violence. A significant proportion of victims of sexual abuse are victims of sexual re-victimization. However, information on the burden of sexual re-victimization among AGYW in contexts other than conflict-affected areas in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is limited. The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude of sexual re-victimization among AGYW and to identify associated risk factors in the capital, Kinshasa. METHODS We conducted a retrospective multicenter cohort study in which sexual violence records between 2015 and 2020 were used to extract and analyze victims' sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics and profiles of sexual violence perpetrated. Multivariate logistic regression models were employed to identify factors associated with sexual re-victimization using the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% confidence interval (95% CI) and p value < 0.05. RESULTS We found that 74 (31%) of the 241 AGYW included in this study had experienced sexual re-victimization. Sexual re-victimization was associated with being older (> 19 years), sexually active, and living in a single-parent family, and with perpetrator types, particularly intimate partners and family members. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide tools for developing and implementing targeted prevention and intervention programs to reduce sexual violence in general and sexual re-victimization in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fifiya Biluala
- Master of Ecology and Governance of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Harry César Kayembe
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kin XI, B.P.: 834, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
| | - Doudou Batumbo
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kin XI, B.P.: 834, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Germain Kapour
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kin XI, B.P.: 834, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Félicitée Mumbanza
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kin XI, B.P.: 834, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Eric Bokabo
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kin XI, B.P.: 834, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Benjamin Longo-Mbenza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Berthe Zinga
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kinshasa, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
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Kwinana N, Masilela C, Adeniyi OV. Healthcare workers' perceptions of sexual violence during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Eastern Cape. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2023; 15:e1-e6. [PMID: 37916716 PMCID: PMC10546217 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v15i1.4087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The South African government implemented lockdown restrictions in order to prevent the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). AIM This study explored the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on sexual violence in the Eastern Cape province through the lens of healthcare workers' (HCWs) experiences. SETTING A Thuthuzela care centre in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. METHODS This qualitative study brings together the findings from thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted among 11 purposively selected HCWs in May 2022. RESULTS Overall, three themes emerged from the study: the effects of COVID-19 on sexual violence, profile of the survivors and recommendations for combating sexual violence in the region. Most respondents believed that the COVID-19 pandemic caused a surge in the incidence of sexual violence, although all acknowledged that movement restrictions affected reporting. The participants treated mostly black women and children's survivors, who experienced physical injuries simultaneously. The respondents' narratives revealed that educational campaigns targeting boys and men could reduce sexual violence in the region. In addition, it was recommended that stricter laws and harsher penalties would serve as deterrents for perpetrators of sexual violence in the country. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 lockdown restrictions exposed the vulnerabilities of black women and children to sexual violence in the study setting. Educational programmes aimed at re-orientating boys and men in both rural and urban communities should be implemented.Contributions: This study provides an insight into the perceived effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual violence in the Amathole district and South Africa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nolundi Kwinana
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fort Hare, East London.
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Alabi AA. Suicide attempts among students of higher education, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, South Africa. S Afr Fam Pract (2004) 2022; 64:e1-e7. [PMID: 36453798 PMCID: PMC9724133 DOI: 10.4102/safp.v64i1.5609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, death by suicide is a leading cause of death among young people, and students of higher educational institutions constitute a vulnerable group. This study aimed to determine the lifetime prevalence and associated factors of suicide attempt among students of a higher education institution in Nelson Mandela Municipality. METHODS A cross sectional study was conducted among students of East Cape Midland College in Nelson Mandela Municipality. The participants were selected by stratified random sampling and a standardised self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. RESULTS The prevalence of lifetime suicide attempts was 16.0% among the participants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed higher odds of suicide attempts among participants who: experienced bullying (OR: 1.66, CI: 1.05-2.61; p 0.001), had underlying medical conditions (OR: 3.27, CI: 2.08-5.14; p 0.001), had abnormal body weight perceptions (OR: 1.64, CI: 1.03-2.62; p 0.05), had experienced sexual abuse (OR: 5.72, CI: 2.86-11.45; p 0.001), or had someone very close who had experienced sexual abuse (OR: 1.77, CI: 1.02-3.05; p 0.05). CONCLUSION This study identified history of sexual abuse, bullying, perceptions of abnormal body weight and underlying medical conditions as associated risk factors of suicide attempts among the participants. The high prevalence of suicide attempts among the participants (16%) demonstrates the urgent need for campus-based interventions and prevention strategies aimed at addressing the identified associated factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeyinka A Alabi
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, Walter Sisulu University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa; and, Department of Family Medicine, Dora Nginza Provincial Hospital, Port Elizabeth.
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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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Chwo MJ, Huang SH, Huang YC, Lin IJ, Yu CP, Chung CH, Chien WC, Sun CA, Wu GJ. Sexual Assault Is the Biggest Risk Factor for Violence against Women in Taiwan-A Nationwide Population Cohort Study from 2000 to 2015. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19063473. [PMID: 35329159 PMCID: PMC8949986 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19063473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Objective: To understand the main types of risk of violence against women in Taiwan. Materials and methods: This study used the outpatient, emergency, and hospitalization data of 2 million people in the National Health Insurance sample from 2000 to 2015. The International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision diagnostic N-codes 995.5 (child abuse) and 995.8 (adult abuse) or E-codes E960−E969 (homicide and intentional injury by others) were defined as the case study for this study, and the risks of first violent injury for boys and girls (0−17 years old), adults (18−64 years old), and elders (over 65 years old) were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used for risk comparison. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The proportion of women (12−17.9 years old) who were sexually assaulted was 2.71 times that of women under the age of 12, and the risk of sexual assault for girls and adult women was 100 times that of men. Girls who were insured as labor insurance, farmers, members of water conservancy and fishery associations, low-income households, and community insured population (public insurance as the reference group) were significantly more likely to seek medical treatment from sexual assault than adult women. Among them, the risk was greatest for girls from low-income households (odds ratio = 10.74). Conclusion: Women are at higher risk of sexual assault than men regardless of whether they are children or adults, and the highest risk is for women in senior high schools, especially for girls from low-income households. Therefore, the protection of women’s personal autonomy is the direction that the government and people from all walks of life need to continue to strive for. Especially for high school students from low-income households, protection must be strengthened through education, social work, and police administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao-Ju Chwo
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242062, Taiwan;
| | - Shi-Hao Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech), Taipei 10608, Taiwan; (S.-H.H.); (Y.-C.H.)
| | - Yao-Ching Huang
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, National Taipei University of Technology (Taipei Tech), Taipei 10608, Taiwan; (S.-H.H.); (Y.-C.H.)
- Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei 11490, Taiwan; (I.-J.L.); (C.-H.C.)
| | - Iau-Jin Lin
- Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei 11490, Taiwan; (I.-J.L.); (C.-H.C.)
| | - Chia-Peng Yu
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan;
| | - Chi-Hsiang Chung
- Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei 11490, Taiwan; (I.-J.L.); (C.-H.C.)
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Chien Chien
- Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei 11490, Taiwan; (I.-J.L.); (C.-H.C.)
- School of Public Health, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- Taiwanese Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion Association (TIPSPA), Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (W.-C.C.); (G.-J.W.)
| | - Chien-An Sun
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242062, Taiwan;
- Big Data Center, College of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242062, Taiwan
| | - Gwo-Jang Wu
- Department of Medical Research, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei 11490, Taiwan; (I.-J.L.); (C.-H.C.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (W.-C.C.); (G.-J.W.)
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Lifetime Prevalence of Sexual Violence and Its Associated Factors among High School Female Students in Jarso District, Oromia Region, Eastern Ethiopia. Int J Reprod Med 2022; 2021:1821579. [PMID: 34988222 PMCID: PMC8723865 DOI: 10.1155/2021/1821579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexual violence is a serious public health problem affecting millions of young girls and women across the world. Recently, the issue of sexual violence against schoolgirls has garnered global and national attention with implications for health and education outcomes. Sexual violence is driven by a multitude of risk factors that occur at different levels. Understanding the magnitude, risk factors, and conceptuality of sexual violence is crucial for setting priorities and elimination efforts at different levels. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the lifetime prevalence of sexual violence and associated factors among high school female students in Jarso district, Oromia region, eastern Ethiopia. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted in public high schools of Jarso district, eastern Ethiopia, from 1st March to 5th April 2019. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 559 eligible study participants. Data were collected by a structured self-administered questionnaire. The outcome measure of interest was lifetime sexual violence. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done. Statistically significant association of variables had been declared based on the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with its 95% CI and p value < 0.05. Results The overall magnitude of sexual violence among female students was 28.6% (95% CI: 25%-32.2%) in the study area. Forty (7.2%) participants have experienced coercive sex against their consent. Participant's level of education ((AOR = 1.5, 95% CI (1.03–2.30)), being unmarried ((AOR = 2.80, 95% CI (1.40–5.81)), consumption of alcohol ((AOR = 3.41, 95% CI (1.11–10.40)), using substances (hashish and/or shisha) ((AOR = 2.6, 95% CI (1.02–6.50)), and ever initiated sexual intercourse ((AOR = 5.9, 95% CI (3.3–10.7)) were positively and statistically associated with sexual violence at p value < 0.05. Conclusion The overall magnitude of sexual violence was relatively high (28.6%). Thus, any intervention aimed to address sexual violence should consider the identified associated risk factors in the study area.
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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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [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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Belay EA, Deressa BG. Rape Survivors' Sorrow: Major Depressive Symptoms and Sexually Transmitted Infection Among Adolescent Girls, Southwest Ethiopia. ADOLESCENT HEALTH MEDICINE AND THERAPEUTICS 2021; 12:91-98. [PMID: 34754258 PMCID: PMC8568697 DOI: 10.2147/ahmt.s331843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Rape is one of the sexual violence acts against women globally. Adolescent girls are vulnerable to this event and experience more severe and long-standing adverse effects. Thus, this study aimed to examine major depressive symptoms and associated factors and the level of sexually transmitted infection among female adolescents evaluated for rape cases at Jimma Medical Center. Patients and Methods Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescent girls assessed for rape cases in Jimma Medical Center. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and entered into Epi Data version 3.1 then exported to SPSS version 21.0 for analysis. Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were carried out. Results A total of 174 raped adolescent females took part in the study. Of the total participants, 155 (89.1%) of these individuals had major depressive symptoms (95 CI %, 84.5–93.7%), while 85 (48.9%) of them had an STI (95% CI, 41.1–56.9%). From logistic regression, place of residence (AOR 14.65, 95%, (p=0.002)), attending school currently (AOR 9.01, 95%, p=0.004), raped by hitting (AOR 17.67, 95%, p<0.001) and unwanted pregnancy (AOR 14.68, 95%, p=0.001) were the variables associated with major depression. Conclusion This study indicates that adolescents were suffering from several encumbrances like major depressive symptoms, sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy. It also indicated that place of residence, school attending, and unwanted pregnancy had an association with major depressive symptoms. Therefore, the need for a comprehensive approach while treating this vulnerable group is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyob Asefa Belay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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