Citation

Houston E, Sandfort T, Watson KT, Caton C. J. Health Psychol. 2013; 18(10): 1330-1340.

Affiliation

Columbia University, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1359105312464674

PMID

23180873

Abstract

This study examines the psychological factors linking childhood abuse and HIV/sexually transmitted infection outcomes among 190 single homeless women in New York City. Participants were assessed for mental health symptoms, sexually transmitted infections, and exposure to childhood sexual and physical abuse. Findings indicate that the relationship between childhood abuse and HIV/sexually transmitted infection diagnoses during adulthood is mediated by a combination of posttraumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder symptoms. Screening single homeless women who report childhood abuse histories for symptoms of both disorders may aid in the identification of individuals particularly vulnerable for HIV infection. Implications for clinical interventions are discussed.

Language: en