Sexual abuse and sexual risk behavior: beyond the impact of psychiatric problems

J Pediatr Psychol. 2010 Jun;35(5):473-83. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsp111. Epub 2009 Dec 4.

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the association between sexual abuse (SA) and sex risk in girls and boys placed in alternative and therapeutic school settings while controlling for psychiatric problems.

Method: Adolescents were recruited from alternative and therapeutic schools. Youth completed audio computer-assisted self-interviews assessing childhood abuse, sexual behaviors, sexual attitudes, and psychiatric symptoms.

Results: Of the 162 youth with available data, 23% reported a moderate or severe SA history. After controlling for gender and the presence of a psychiatric diagnosis, youth with a SA history were significantly more likely to have engaged in sex, had sex in the last 90 days, and engaged in unprotected sex. Adolescents with a history of SA also endorsed fewer advantages of using condoms.

Conclusions: SA is uniquely associated with sexual behavior and attitudes even when adjusting for the presence of a psychiatric diagnosis. These data have implications for interventions for those with SA histories.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / prevention & control
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / psychology*
  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology*
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / statistics & numerical data
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Education, Special*
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / prevention & control
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
  • Mental Disorders / psychology*
  • Residential Treatment*
  • Social Environment*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Unsafe Sex / psychology*
  • Unsafe Sex / statistics & numerical data
  • Young Adult