Understanding how social factors affect mental health in young women living in slums.
TOPOWA Study: Social Drivers of Mental Illness among AGYW in Slums.
This study is looking at how living in tough conditions affects the mental health of young women aged 18-24 in slums in Kampala, Uganda, and it aims to find out if training to improve their economic situation can help them feel better and cope with stress.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kennesaw State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kennesaw, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11049202 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the social drivers that contribute to mental illness among Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) living in slums in Kampala, Uganda. It employs a mixed-methods approach to explore how socioeconomic strengthening training can help mitigate the negative effects of poverty and improve mental health outcomes. By focusing on young women aged 18-24, the study aims to identify resilience mechanisms against stressors related to their environment and social conditions. Participants will be recruited for a 27-month cohort study to gather comprehensive data on their experiences and mental health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Adolescent Girls and Young Women aged 18-24 living in urban slum areas of Kampala, Uganda.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 18-24 or those not living in urban slum conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health interventions tailored for young women in low-resource settings.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown positive impacts of socioeconomic strengthening on mental health, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
Kennesaw, United States
- Kennesaw State University — Kennesaw, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Swahn, Monica H — Kennesaw State University
- Study coordinator: Swahn, Monica H
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 below.