Jacqueline Mthembu

Miss Jacqueline Mthembu’s research will focus on “Examining the link between Psychological distress, Intimate Partner Violence and HIV amongst South African women”. She hypothesizes that women who report high levels of psychological distress are more likely to experience IPV, be HIV positive and or report HIV-related risk behaviors as compared to women who report low or no psychological distress. The study will employ a cross-sectional research design using a mixed method approach with both quantitative and qualitative components.

This study will add to existing literature by providing baseline knowledge that map the impact of psychological distress, IPV and HIV in women. Furthermore, the study will contribute to shaping interventions that aim to improve women’s health by minimizing psychological distress, curbing experience IPV and reducing women’s sexual risk behaviors, while also improving health outcomes for women living with HIV.