History of child sexual abuse among women consuming illicit substances in Mexico City

Abstract

Introduction: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a pervasive problem that has been linked to numerous developmental, social, health, and substance use consequences. Nevertheless, the relationship between CSA and the consumption of psychoactive substances has not been adequately studied in Mexico. The present study aims to examine this association between history of CSA and illicit substance use and associated risk behaviors in a sample of young adult women in Mexico City. Design and Methods: The present study uses a cross-sectional design to examine sexual abuse history among women who use illicit substances. Data collection consisted of a questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews with 101 women who sought treatment for substance use in Mexico City. A bivariate analysis was used to examine women who experienced sexual abuse and those who did not. Odds ratio and relative risk were estimated. Results: A total of 101 women were interviewed with an average age of 19.2 years. The average age of onset of drug use was 15.4 years. Among participants, 68% reported having been victims of sexual abuse and rape. The average age of reported sexual abuse was 12.2 years. Participants reported a high rate of polydrug use (32.7%), consuming more than two drugs. Sexual abuse was associated with detention by police for drugs, forced prostitution, and consumption of substances during pregnancy. Discussion and conclusions: This study found that sexual abuse and rape were highly associated with substance abuse outcomes and associated risk behaviors.

Impact of adverse childhood experiences on the symptom severity of different mental disorders: a cross-diagnostic study

“…However, sexual trauma is a significant traumatic event, regardless of the age when it occurs, and individuals having experienced it in childhood are more likely to use addictive drugs and alcohol than those who have not. The study found58 59 that as many as 68% of women with substance abuse disorders (including addictive drugs and alcohol) experienced childhood sexual trauma, and the rate of substance abuse or dependence was significantly higher among women who experienced childhood sexual trauma than among those who did not. As revealed by pathophysiological studies,60 altered secretion in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical system is the possible mechanism by which negative childhood experiences increase the risk of substance abuse.…”