NCJ Number
211705
Date Published
2005
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This study explored the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and adult drug use among low-income Puerto Rican women living in urban communities in Puerto Rico.
Abstract
Among the many deleterious outcomes of childhood sexual abuse is an increased risk for adult substance use. Previous research on this topic, however, has overwhelmingly focused on non-minority populations. This study extended the research literature by examining the impact of childhood sexual abuse on the adult drug-taking behavior of 718 low-income, urban Puerto Rican women. Interviews were conducted with 408 female drug users recruited from and around locations known for drug selling and taking (called copping areas) and with 310 non-drug using females who were recruited because they lived in close proximity to the copping area. Interviews focused on childhood abuse, past year substance use, health and psychosocial factors, and socio-demographic characteristics. Results of multivariate analyses indicated a strong positive association between childhood sexual abuse and adult drug use among this population. The relationship was not mediated by other childhood maltreatment variables or family background variables. The deleterious impact of childhood sexual abuse was greater for women reporting severe abuse, abuse by a family member, and sustained abuse. Implications for treatment and prevention are discussed and include the need to screen Puerto Rican women for childhood sexual abuse at treatment program intake. Tables, references