Exploring how childhood hardships affect adult depression in rural Uganda
Official title: The network structure of childhood adversities and adult depressive symptoms in rural Uganda
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11071548 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | May 14, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31MH139276-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071548 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults in rural Uganda who have experienced adverse childhood events and are currently facing depressive symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced any adverse childhood events or who are not currently experiencing depressive symptoms may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Satinsky, Emily — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Satinsky, Emily
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.