"Psychologically and emotionally, it affects me 'til this day": exploration of childhood sexual abuse perspectives among older adults living with HIV in South Carolina

Authors

Monique J. Brown, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
Chigozie A. Nkwonta, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
Amandeep Kaur, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
Titilayo James, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
Donaldson F. Conserve, Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Brent J. Small, School of Aging Studies, Community of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
William E. Haley, School of Aging Studies, Community of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

11-1-2022

Journal

Aging & mental health

Volume

26

Issue

11

DOI

10.1080/13607863.2021.2007354

Keywords

Childhood sexual abuse; HIV; abuse/neglect; older adults; psychological and social aspects; qualitative methods

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The influence of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) may be seen immediately or across the life course. CSA is also associated with increased HIV-risk behavior, and greater likelihood of an HIV/STI diagnosis. The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of CSA among older adults living with HIV. METHODS: Twenty-four adults living with HIV aged 50 to 67 years (mean age = 58.5 years), with a history of CSA, receiving care from an HIV clinic in South Carolina, participated in the study. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted, audio recorded and analyzed using a thematic analytic approach. The iterative analytic process included a three-step approach: discussion of initial thoughts and key concepts, identification and reconciliation of codes, and naming of emergent themes. RESULTS: Four themes emerged: Psychological issues due to CSA, relationship challenges due to CSA, self-blame, and reliving childhood trauma (subtheme: lack of influence of CSA today). Some participants reported feeling the influence of CSA several years after the event while others noted that that there was a lack of influence of CSA at present. CONCLUSIONS: Trauma-informed intervention programs are needed for older adults living with HIV who still experience the influence of their CSA experience. Future research should delve into the design and feasibility of implementing these programs.

APA Citation

Brown, Monique J.; Nkwonta, Chigozie A.; Kaur, Amandeep; James, Titilayo; Conserve, Donaldson F.; Small, Brent J.; and Haley, William E., ""Psychologically and emotionally, it affects me 'til this day": exploration of childhood sexual abuse perspectives among older adults living with HIV in South Carolina" (2022). GW Authored Works. Paper 2029.
https://hsrc.himmelfarb.gwu.edu/gwhpubs/2029

Department

Prevention and Community Health