Trauma Symptoms, Sexual Behaviors, and Substance Abuse: Correlates of Childhood Sexual Abuse and HIV Risks Among Men Who Have Sex with Men

• NCJ Number: 206984
• Journal: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 13 Issue: 1 Dated: 2004 Pages: 1-15
• Author(s): Seth C. Kalichman; Cheryl Gore-Felton; Eric Benotsch; Majorie Cage; David Rompa
• Editor(s): Robert Geffner Ph.D.
• Date Published: 2004
• Length: 15 pages
• Grant Number(s): R01-MH57624; R01-MH63666
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Results are presented from a study examining both the psychological and behavioral characteristics of men who have sex with men and report a history of child sexual abuse, specifically the correlates of HIV risk behavior.

Abstract

Child abuse is among the most significant social problems of society. Research focused on the impact of child sexual abuse on women has shown long-term psychological, social, and health consequences. However, research has focused little on the impact of child sexual abuse on boys or men. Therefore, there is limited understanding of how sexual trauma experienced in childhood influences psychological, behavioral, and sexual functioning in adult men. This study attempted to show how childhood sexual abuse is associated with high-risk behavior in men who have sex with men. Specifically, this study examined the psychological and behavioral correlates of HIV risk behavior associated with childhood sexual abuse among men. It was hypothesized that men who were survivors of child sexual abuse would have greater evidence of emotional disturbances, as well as greater use of alcohol and other drugs compared to men who did not experience child sexual abuse. The study consisted of 647 men who attended a gay pride festival in Georgia. The men completed a self-administered anonymous survey consisting of measures of demographic and psychosocial characteristics, sexual health and abuse history, substance use, sexual behaviors, and scales assessing emotional disturbances. Results of the study suggest that men who have a history of childhood sexual abuse are more likely to engage in high-risk sexual behavior, trade sex for money or drugs, report being HIV positive, and experience non-sexual relationship violence. In summation, among men who have sex with men, identification of childhood sexual victimization may be an important factor in managing risks for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. References