Prevalence of childhood sexual abuse and physical trauma in an HIV-positive sample from the deep south.

Whetten, Kathryn; Leserman, Jane; Lowe, Kristin; Stangl, Dalene; Thielman, Nathan; Swartz, Marvin; Hanisch, Laura; Van Scoyoc, Lynn · Am J Public Health · 2006

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

We examined prevalence and predictors of trauma among HIV-infected persons in the Deep South using data from the Coping with HIV/AIDS in the Southeast (CHASE) study. Over 50% of CHASE participants were abused during their lives, with approximately 30% experiencing abuse before age 13, regardless of gender. Caregiver characteristics were associated with childhood abuse. Abuse is related to increases in high-HIV-risk activities. The findings help explain why people engage in such high-risk activities and can provide guidance in designing improved care and prevention messages.

Medical subject headings