Gay Men Molested as Children More Likely to Engage in Unsafe Sex
Clinton Research Foundation
sexual abuse are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior
than other MSMs, say researchers from UCSF's Center for AIDS
Prevention (CAPS).
The study, published in the April issue of Child Abuse &
Neglect, found that about one fifth (20.6%) of all MSMs
experienced childhood sexual abuse--a rate that is higher than
prevalence estimates for the general male population. These
men's early sexual victimization experiences typically involved
physical force, penetrative sex, and were highly distressing.
Researchers found that greater severity of childhood abuse (more
incidents) was associated with higher rates of risky sexual
behavior. Findings were similar using two different definitions
of risky sexual behavior (unprotected anal intercourse with a
non-primary partner; unprotected anal intercourse with a male
whose HIV status was different from their own). As further
evidence of their greater sexual risk-taking, those reporting
childhood sexual abuse were more likely to be HIV-positive (24%
vs. 14%).
To understand better the linkages between childhood sexual abuse
and current sexual risk, the researchers examined other
behaviors that are both associated with sexual risk taking and
with childhood sexual abuse. The study found that the men who
had been victimized had higher rates of sex under the influence
of alcohol/drugs, "one-night stands," and intimate partner
violence, the researchers said. The current risk behavior of
sexually abused men could be related to these variables, which
were also linked to other measures of disturbed family
functioning (e.g., childhood physical abuse, parental substance
abuse).
"These findings clearly indicate that there is a need to
consider childhood sexual abuse in developing and delivering HIV
prevention interventions. Messages that emphasize the avoidance
of 'sex under the influence' may not be effective for those men
whose use of substances may be a form of coping with the
disturbing aftermath of early sexual traumatization. Work can be
done to identify prevention strategies that consider the after-
effects of childhood sexual abuse," said lead author, Jay Paul,
PhD, a specialist in the division of medicine at UCSF's Center
for AIDS Prevention Studies.
"In addition, given the extent to which this is a problem among
MSM, community services should be reviewed to ensure that
appropriate referrals are offered at points where these men may
contact mental health, substance abuse, social services and
medical services. The multiple health-related negative
consequences of childhood sexual abuse emphasize the need to
give this issue appropriate attention," said Paul.
The study analyzed data collected in the Urban Men's Health
Study, a telephone sample of MSMs in San Francisco, New York,
Chicago, and Los Angeles. These four cities were selected due to
their importance as regional centers, being the source of two
thirds of U.S. MSM AIDS cases, and the estimated size and
concentration of their MSM population. This sample, conducted
between November 1996 and February 1998, interviewed 2881 MSMs.
The interviews covered numerous health issues; other findings
(such as overall levels of risk behavior) have been reported
elsewhere.
Study co-investigators are Joseph Catania, PhD, assistant
professor of medicine with UCSF CAPS, Lance Pollack, PhD,
specialist at UCSF CAPS, and Ron Stall, PhD, MPH, Chief of the
Behavioral Interventions Research Branch at the Division of
HIV/AIDS Prevention at the Centers for Disease Control.
The research was supported by grants from the National Institute
of Mental Health, the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's
Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention. Further research to gain a
clearer understanding of these issues has been funded by the
National Institute of Mental Health.
anonymous
>
> Men who have sex with men (MSM) who are victims of childhood
> sexual abuse are more likely to engage in risky sexual behavior
> than other MSMs, say researchers from UCSF's Center for AIDS
> Prevention (CAPS).
>
have been sexually abused as young men are more likely to engage in
risky sexual behavior in their persuit of woman. I remember a guy from
band that was invited to a neighbour's house and with or without being
given liquor he was raped and left running out of the house bleeding
into his underwear. I would think that would have a negative on any
male
having had a penis force in his but to cause rupture and bleeding.
So if you fuck with kids you destory them in the long term. The same
way that instead of going to war and killing thousands of young soldiers
at a very high cost it is easier and cheaper to give the country's young
people access to mind destroying drugs like extacy (sp) that will last a
lifetime for mere pennies. Do you know how painful and expensive it is
to feed, clothe and look after people whose minds have been destroyed by
drugs?