Types and Characteristics of Childhood Sexual Abuse: How Do They Matter in HIV Sexual Risk Behaviors Among Women in Methadone Treatment in New York City?

Abstract

This study contributes to understanding of relationships between CSA and HIV sexual risk behaviors and key correlates associated with HIV sexual risk behaviors among women in methadone treatment. It also highlights the complexity of measuring CSA and its association with sexual risk behaviors and the importance of comprehensive approaches to HIV prevention that address psychological, relational, situational, and substance use experiences associated with sexual risk behaviors among this population.

Correlates of HIV Risks Among Women on Probation and Parole

“…The findings from the current study are consistent with several prior studies demonstrating benefits of informal social support in relation to HIV risk behaviors among women (El-Bassel & Schilling, 1994;Engstrom et al, 2016;Nyamathi, Stein, & Swanson, 2000;Sobo, 1995). However, our findings also indicate that formal social support reflected in recent substance use treatment is associated with having a partner with increased HIV risk factors.…”

“…It may be that substance use treatment provides an opportunity for women on probation and parole to meet partners who are also addressing substance use difficulties and experiencing multiple risks for HIV. Additionally, the finding that nearly 56% of the women in this study reported having partners with one or more HIV risks (a potentially conservative estimate in that our partner risk measure focused solely on four factors related to injection drug use, involvement with male intimate partners, incarceration, and timing of initial sexual activity) and connections between reliance on partners for basic needs and substance use resources and risks for HIV among women who use substances (Amaro & Hardy-Fanta, 1995;El-Bassel & Schilling, 1994;Engstrom, El-Bassel, & Gilbert, 2012;Engstrom et al, 2016) further support the value of relationshiporiented HIV prevention strategies. There is evidence that such intervention may be especially effective at reducing HIV risk behaviors among women with ongoing intimate partners (El-Bassel et al, 2010;Jones, Kashy, Villar-Loubet, Cook, & Weiss, 2013).…”

“…It is generally recognized that substance use is associated with increased HIV sexual risks (Booth, Kwiatkowski, & Chitwood, 2000;Engstrom et al, 2016;Logan, Cole, & Leukefeld, 2002; National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2012). Our findings regarding lifetime regular use of sedatives and other drugs and increased number of lifetime sexual partners align with this general understanding.…”

“…Compounding the environmental factors for women involved in the justice system are high rates of victimization and posttraumatic stress disorder, which are also associated with HIV risks among women in clinical and community samples (Arriola, Louden, Doldren, & Fortenberry, 2005;Bauer et al, 2002;M. Cohen et al, 2000;Engstrom, Shibusawa, El-Bassel, & Gilbert, 2011;Engstrom, Winham, & Gilbert, 2016;Mosack et al, 2010;Plotzker, Metzger, & Holmes, 2007). These associations are particularly relevant for women involved in the criminal justice system, among whom up to 99% report being victimized at some point in their lives (Browne, Miller, & Maguin, 1999;El-Bassel et al, 1996;Greenfield & Snell, 2000;Lynch, DeHart, Belknap, & Green, 2012;Mc-Clellan, Farabee, & Crouch, 1997;McDaniels-Wilson & Belknap, 2008;Owen & Bloom, 1995;Reichert, Adams, & Bostwick, 2010).…”

Theory of Gender and Power: Intimate Partner Violence, HIV Status and Sexual Risk Behaviors in Haitian Women

“…A number of risk factors have been associated with IPV that increase the likelihood of acquiring and transmitting HIV infections. These factors include forced sexual activity, accessory injuries to vagina or other body parts, microscopic lacerations and tears to the anal and buccal mucosa as well as nail injuries to skin and other sensitive areas thereby increasing viral contact to the raw wounds and increasing transmission rates (Gilbert et al, 2016). In addition, women experiencing IPV are often subjected to nonconsensual sexual activities without any open communication about risk factors such as promiscuity, extramarital affairs, or commercial sex worker contact .…”