Untangling the impact of sexual abuse on HIV risk behaviors among youths in foster care
Elze, D.E.; Auslander, W.; McMillen, C.; Edmond, T.; Thompson, R.
Aids Education and Prevention Official Publication of the International Society for Aids Education 13(4): 377-389
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0899-9546 PMID: 11565596 DOI: 10.1521/aeap.13.4.377.21427Document Number: 242413
This study investigates the interrelationships among childhood sexual abuse, other types of child maltreatment, emotional and behavioural problems, and HIV risk behaviours in a sample of 167 adolescents, aged 15-19, participating in an independent living preparation programme in one midwestern county. Thirty-three percent of the youths identified as white and 67% as youths of color. The sample was almost evenly split by gender (51% male and 49% female). Thirty-five percent of the youths (n=59) reported some form of sexual abuse; 21 reported unwanted touching, with no unwanted intercourse, and 38 reported unwanted intercourse. Multivariate analyses demonstrated a significant relationship between the severity of sexual abuse and youths' recent HIV risk behaviours, after accounting for the contribution of other childhood trauma and emotional and behavioral problems. The findings support the need for HIV prevention programmes targeting sexually abused youths.