Objectives: To examine the relationships between a continuum of abuse experiences (victimized in childhood and recent adulthood) and HIV sex risk behaviors among Puerto Rican drug abusers. Methods: Subjects were Puerto Rican drug users (N=617 in New York; N=335 in Puerto Rico). Each scale of childhood and recent adulthood physical/sexual abuse (P/SA) was dichotomized (never vs. any), and a continuum of abuse was constructed (1. no abuse; 2. either P/SA in childhood or in prior year; and 3. P/SA at both times). Sexual risk behaviors (the last 30 days, no/yes) were measured by trading sex for drugs/money and having multiple sex partners. Multiple logistic regressions were performed to examine the association after controlling for the effects of potential confounders (age, gender, recruitment site, MMTP enrollment, and HIV serostatus). Results: Male - 73%; high school graduates - 40%; mean age - 37. The percentages of abuse were: SA -7% and PA -34% in childhood; SA -3% and PA -19% in recent adulthood. About half (54%) reported no abuse; 38% were abused either time; and 8% reported the victimization at both times. Childhood abuse was significantly associated with recent abuse as adults (SA: chi-square=77.6, p<.001; PA: chi-square=5.2, p<.05). Those who were abused at both life stages were more likely to trade sex for drugs or money (OR=2.1) and to have multiple sex partners (OR=2.1) than were those without such experiences. Conclusion: More effective drug treatment and HIV prevention programs, including specialized therapies for those who suffered childhood or recent abuse experiences, are needed.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize that a continuous abuse experience is significantly associated with HIV risk behaviors. 2. Define childhood physical and sexual abuse. 3. Develop drug treatment/HIV prevention programs which include specialized therapies for these victims.
Keywords: HIV Risk Behavior, Violence
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.