Vulnerable Children and Youth Studies最新文献

Emotional dysregulation (ED), the inability to manage emotional responses effectively is a well-documented major symptom of poor mental health, especially in high-income countries. Evidence from these settings links ED to adverse childhood experiences, chronic poverty, and structural disadvantage. ED has also been associated with increased risk of HIV acquisition and intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetration, particularly among men. Despite these established associations, research on ED remains limited in sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, where both HIV and IPV remain epidemicespecially in low-resource communities such as rural areas and urban informal settlements. Therefore, we explored emotion regulation strategies among young men (aged 18-30) living in urban informal settlements and rural communities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. We conducted 22 audio-recorded face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured interview guide, guided by the six domains of ED in Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-16) as our conceptual framework. Data were analysed deductively using the domains of ED in DERS-16 as main themes. Participants seemed to struggle with emotion regulation likely resulting in ED, which was probably attributed to adverse childhood experiences, poverty and intensified by local constructions of masculinity. Common but ineffective emotion regulation strategies included emotion suppression and numbing with alcohol and sex, aligned with dominant masculine norms. Men's struggles with impulsivity resulting from ED frequently manifested as violence perpetration, notably against female partners. ED seemed to also compromise men's ability to achieve personal goals and establish stable livelihoods. Participants' emotion regulation descriptions closely matched ED domains on DERS-16 suggesting its potential suitability in measuring ED among this population. Emotional dysregulation appears prevalent among men in marginalized KZN communities and is closely linked to increased risks of IPV and HIV. Future research is necessary to deepen understanding of these connections and inform effective interventions.

South Africa remains characterised by high rates of school dropout, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The consequences lead to compromised employment opportunities and other negative social and health outcomes associated with out of school youth (OSY). Persistently high dropout rates have prompted calls for more evidence on their underlying causes, to inform interventions that support school retention in South Africa. Data for this paper comes from the Asenze study, a longitudinal epidemiologic study of health and psychosocial needs, which began among preschool children in 2008 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This paper draws on data collected in the third (2019-2021) and fourth (2022) waves. Multiple logistic regression models assessed the independent association between three sets of variables; individual, cognitive/academic, and household-level on the likelihood of dropping out of school. Approximately 5% (n = 54) of the sample had dropped out before completing secondary school by the fourth wave of the study. School dropout was associated with individual factors; currently engaging in an age-disparate sexual relationship, having had a child, and scoring poorly on the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule. Among the cognitive measures assessed, only planning ability was significantly associated with school dropout; none of the household variables showed a similar link. Pregnancy and child-rearing responsibilities remain the primary reasons cited for school dropout amongst women, affirming associations found in other studies undertaken in South Africa. The association between school dropout and cognition, one of the key components that underly academic performance, has not previously been explored in this context. This research contributes to a limited evidence base by employing longitudinal data and a multi-dimensional approach that includes individual, cognitive, academic, and household-level factors, with a focus on rural and peri-urban settings.

Adolescent girls and young women are disproportionately affected by HIV in many lower-resource settings. These individuals are often excluded from early clinical trials for new HIV prevention products, thus delaying potential access. We explored adolescent girls' and young women's (AGYW) perceptions of HIV risk, perspectives on trial participation, and understanding of research concepts. Individual or repeated in-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 43 AGYW. Interviews were conducted in participants' language of choice, audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. Thematic analysis was applied. A total of 21 participants were enrolled from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and 22 from Pune, India. HIV risk perception varied by country, with Tanzanian participants often describing risk as behaviors tied to economic factors, and Indian participants describing risk as behaviors associated with limited HIV knowledge, inequitable gender norms, and pervasive sexual violence. Trial participation was largely viewed as acceptable; however, concerns were raised regarding standard recommendations for using condoms and contraception during trial participation, and the potential for side effects. Research concepts were notably challenging for participants to understand, particularly the concept of placebo. Although adult involvement was perceived as useful support in Tanzania, it was deemed essential for trial participation in India. Participants in our study described a need for and potential benefits of new HIV prevention products. Taking into consideration the local context, clinical trials with adolescent girls and young women should ensure understanding of research requirements and concepts, minimize preventive misconceptions, and consider involvement of a trusted adult.