Int J STD AIDS. 1997 May;8(5):332-5. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
The objective of this study is to describe the characteristics
associated with a history of sexual abuse among HIV-infected women
enrolled in a public inner-city HIV outpatient clinic. A retrospective
chart review of 238 women of childbearing age enrolled in the HIV
outpatient clinic between 1987 and 1995 was performed. Characteristics
of the study population were 83% African American, 69% single, and 53%
finished high school or were still in school. The mean age was 25.7
years. Of the 238 women, 32% had a history of sexual abuse. Factors
associated with sexual abuse history after controlling for age included
living in a non-permanent situation (OR=4.8), history of non-intravenous
drug use (OR=4.65), and having dropped out of school (OR=2.2).
HIV-infected women should be screened for a history of sexual abuse and
carefully counselled regarding their reproductive choices and drug
treatment.
*HIV Infections/COMPLICATIONS *Sex Offenses