HIV RISK-BEHAVIOR IN POOR URBAN WOMEN WITH SERIOUS MENTAL-DISORDERS -ASSOCIATION WITH CHILDHOOD PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL ABUSE

Associations between childhood sexual and physical abuse and HIV-relat ed risky behavior were examined among low-income, urban women with sev ere mental disorders. Early sexual abuse was found to be related to ad ult sexual and physical assault, alcohol and cocaine abuse, and prosti tution, childhood physical abuse was related to adult physical assault and alcohol abuse. Findings highlight the importance of making HIV ri sk-reduction programs a part of integrated services that address a ful l range of psychosocial needs.