Citation

Hosang GM, Johnson SL, Kiecolt-Glaser J, Di Gregorio MP, Lambert DR, Bechtel MA, Hearne DW, Herron JB, Glaser R. Child Abuse Negl. 2013; 37(6): 374-379.

Affiliation

MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.chiabu.2012.09.018

PMID

23347911

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to examine whether child abuse or neglect is more strongly associated with adult cardiovascular disease, and whether these associations differ by gender. METHODS: A total of 116 participants (mean age 57.75 years) reported their experience of childhood maltreatment using the well-validated Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire. Cardiovascular disease was assessed using the Older Adults Resources Survey Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire. RESULTS: Child abuse but not neglect was significantly associated with adult cardiovascular disease. The significant relationship between child abuse and cardiovascular disease was specific to women. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that being abused as a child is significantly associated with cardiovascular disease in adulthood, particularly among women.

Language: en