Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 5, 2026

Author Spotlight: Understanding Adolescent Social Adversity Effects on Neurodevelopment in Mice
Published on: March 15, 2024
Depressive symptoms, sexual activity, and substance use among adolescents in Kampala, Uganda
Michael B Henry1, Sabrina Bakeera-Kitaka2,3, Kizza Lubega3
1Columbia University, Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, USA.
Background:
Adolescents experience high rates of depression, initiation of sexual activity, and substance use.
Objectives:
To better understand the demographics of adolescents presenting to an adolescent clinic in Uganda, and to elucidate which factors are associated with depressive symptoms, sexual initiation, and substance use.
Methods:
A retrospective review was performed on intake forms obtained during interviews with adolescents presenting to the Makerere/Mulago Columbia Adolescent Health Clinic (MMCAH) in Kampala, Uganda.
Results:
Depressive symptoms in adolescents were correlated with having a chronic illness (p=.026), and reported poor quality of home life (p<.001). Initiation of sexual activity was also correlated with chronic illness (p=.008) and poor quality of home life (p=.006). Substance use was correlated with maternal death (p=.041), chronic illness (p=.038), and substance use among family members (p<.001) and friends (p<.001).
Conclusions:
Knowing the aforementioned risk factors can help us better understand the needs of adolescents presenting to MMCAH, and allows us to develop targeted interventions aimed at decreasing health risks in Kampala's adolescent population.
Related Concept Videos
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Depression: Overview
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Drug Dependence

