Exploring how childhood hardships affect adult depression in rural Uganda

The network structure of childhood adversities and adult depressive symptoms in rural Uganda

NIH-funded research University of Southern California · NIH-11071548

This study looks at how tough experiences in childhood, like abuse or neglect, affect depression in adults living in rural Uganda, and it aims to find better ways to help people with their mental health based on what they went through when they were younger.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11071548 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as abuse and neglect on adult depressive symptoms in rural Uganda. It aims to understand how these experiences influence mental health outcomes by analyzing data on depression severity and related factors. The study will also explore the accuracy of how individuals report their past experiences and the pathways linking ACEs to depression, which could inform targeted interventions. By focusing on these aspects, the research seeks to improve mental health care access in resource-limited settings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults in rural Uganda who have experienced adverse childhood events and are currently facing depressive symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced any adverse childhood events or who are not currently experiencing depressive symptoms may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better-targeted mental health interventions for individuals affected by childhood adversities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown significant associations between adverse childhood experiences and adult mental health outcomes, indicating that this approach is grounded in established findings.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.