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Challenges in conducting research on sexual violence and HIV and approaches to overcome them. [Review]

MedStar author(s):

Citation: American Journal of Reproductive Immunology. , 2017 May 03PMID: 28467001Institution: MedStar Washington Hospital CenterDepartment: NursingForm of publication: Journal ArticleMedline article type(s): Journal Article | ReviewSubject headings: IN PROCESS -- NOT YET INDEXEDYear: 2017 ISSN:

1046-7408

Name of journal: American journal of reproductive immunology (New York, N.Y. : 1989)Abstract: Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.Studies have implicated sexual violence as a strong correlate of HIV acquisition in women. Characterizing how such violence affects the female immune system may provide insight into the biological mechanisms of HIV transmission and ultimately improve global HIV prevention strategies. Little research has been carried out in this domain, and the obstacles to investigation can be daunting. Here, we describe methodological challenges encountered and solutions explored while implementing a study of dysregulation of immune biomarkers potentially indicative of increased HIV susceptibility in women following sexual assault. Challenges included accessing sexual assault survivors and defining sexual assault, promoting study participant well-being during research engagement, reducing selection and information bias, collecting and processing biological samples, and adjusting for confounders such as reproductive tract infections and emotional and physical abuse. We found that many survivors of sexual assault welcomed the attention from study staff and felt empowered by the opportunity to help other women at risk for violence. Well-trained research staff and well-articulated community and medical partnerships were key methods to overcoming challenges while promoting the safety and welfare of vulnerable study participants.All authors: Aldous A, DeVore H, Ghosh M, Hatch Schultz C, Magnus M, Moriarty T, Roberts A, Simon G, Zumer MFiscal year: FY2017Digital Object Identifier:

https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/aji.12699

Date added to catalog: 2017-05-08

Holdings ( 1 )
Title notes ( 3 )

Holdings
Item type	Current library	Collection	Call number	Status	Date due	Barcode
Journal Article	MedStar Authors Catalog	Article	28467001	Available		28467001

Studies have implicated sexual violence as a strong correlate of HIV acquisition in women. Characterizing how such violence affects the female immune system may provide insight into the biological mechanisms of HIV transmission and ultimately improve global HIV prevention strategies. Little research has been carried out in this domain, and the obstacles to investigation can be daunting. Here, we describe methodological challenges encountered and solutions explored while implementing a study of dysregulation of immune biomarkers potentially indicative of increased HIV susceptibility in women following sexual assault. Challenges included accessing sexual assault survivors and defining sexual assault, promoting study participant well-being during research engagement, reducing selection and information bias, collecting and processing biological samples, and adjusting for confounders such as reproductive tract infections and emotional and physical abuse. We found that many survivors of sexual assault welcomed the attention from study staff and felt empowered by the opportunity to help other women at risk for violence. Well-trained research staff and well-articulated community and medical partnerships were key methods to overcoming challenges while promoting the safety and welfare of vulnerable study participants.

English