Sexual abuse and sexual risk behaviors of minority women with sexually transmitted diseases

The relationship between sexual abuse and sexually transmitted disease (STD ) represents an important and underinvestigared context of domestic violenc e. This study examined the association between sexual abuse, sexual risk be haviors, and risk for reinfection and HIV among minority women with STD. Me xican American and African American women (n = 617) with active STD entered a randomized study of behavioral intervention to reduce STD recurrence. Ea ch underwent questioning at entry regarding sexual abuse and sexual risk be haviors. Comparisons of these behaviors using chi-square, t tests, and logi stic regression were made by history of sexual abuse. Sexually abused women were more likely to have lower incomes, earlier coitus, STD history, curre ntly abusive partners, new sex partners, anal sex, and bleeding with sex, p lacing them at increased risk for STD reinfection and HIV Due to this assoc iation with sexual risk behavior, assessment for sexual abuse is essential in program focusing on STD/HIV prevention.