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Journal Articles
Abstract:
Objective: This study describes the
prevalence and predictors of sexual and
physical trauma among HIV-infected persons in
the Deep South.
Methods: Prevalence of sexual and physical
abuse was evaluated in a sample of 611
HIV-positive individuals. Interviews included
a behavioral assessment to measure abuse and
questions about the behaviors and attributes
of primary caretakers during childhood.
Results: Over half of this sample was
sexually or physically abused during their
lives. Approximately 30% of respondents
reported either sexual or severe physical
abuse before age 13. Nearly one quarter of
both men and women reported experiencing
childhood sexual abuse. Parent
characteristics are associated with childhood
abuse, but not lifetime abuse.
Conclusions: This is the largest study of a
clinic population, using standard sexual
abuse measures, to find such high rates of
childhood abuse. Sexual abuse and physical
abuse are related to higher rates of
activities that put individuals at risk for
contracting and transmitting HIV and other
STDs. These findings may help explain why
people engage in high-HIV-risk activities and
may assist health educators and clinicians in
designing more appropriate prevention
messages and care