Gender Specific Association of Child Abuse and Adult Cardiovascular Disease in a Sample of Patients with Basal Cell Carcinoma

• NCJ Number: 246911
• Journal: Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 37 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2013 Pages: 374-379
• Author(s): Georgina M. Hosang; Sheri L. Johnson; Janice Kiecolt-Glaser; Michael P. Di Gregorio; David R. Lambert; Mark A. Bechtel; Dean W. Hearne; Joel B. Herron; Ronald Glaser
• Date Published: June 2013
• Length: 6 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

The aim of this study is to examine whether child abuse or neglect is more strongly associated with adult cardiovascular disease, and whether these associations differ by gender.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine whether child abuse or neglect is more strongly associated with adult cardiovascular disease, and whether these associations differ by gender. A total of 116 participants mean age 57.75 years reported their experience of childhood maltreatment using the well-validated Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire. Cardiovascular disease was assessed using the Older Adults Resources Survey Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire. Child abuse but not neglect was significantly associated with adult cardiovascular disease. The significant relationship between child abuse and cardiovascular disease was specific to women. The results of this study indicate that being abused as a child is significantly associated with cardiovascular disease in adulthood, particularly among women.