TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2017//
TI  - Challenges in conducting research on sexual violence and HIV and approaches to overcome them
JO  - American journal of reproductive immunology (1989)
A1  - Aldous, Annette
A1  - Magnus, Manya
A1  - Roberts, Afsoon
A1  - DeVore, Heather
A1  - Moriarty, Theresa
A1  - Hatch Schultz, Catherine
A1  - Zumer, Maria
A1  - Simon, Gary
A1  - Ghosh, Mimi
SP  - ePub
EP  - ePub
VL  - 78
IS  - 1
N2  - 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.<br><br>© 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1046-7408
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/aji.12699
ID  - ref1
ER  -