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Physical and Sexual Abuse among Homeless and Unstably Housed Adults Living with HIV: Prevalence and Associated Risks

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Abstract

We examined the prevalence and risks associated with interpersonal (physical and sexual) abuse among HIV-seropositive homeless or unstably housed adults. Data were obtained from the Housing and Health Study of participants living in Baltimore, Chicago, and Los Angeles (n = 644). We used logistic regression to identify risks associated with abuse. About 77% of men and 86% of women reported ever experiencing abuse. Women were at greater risk than men for intimate partner physical abuse, childhood sexual abuse (CSA), and adulthood sexual abuse. Men and women experiencing intimate partner physical abuse reported increased risk of unprotected sex. Other risks associated with abuse include sex exchange; lifetime alcohol abuse; and depressive symptoms. Abuse prevalence among sample exceeds those found in other samples of general USA, HIV-seropositive, and homeless populations. Identifying persons at risk of abuse is needed to reduce risk among homeless or unstably housed persons living with HIV.

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Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to RTI under contract 200-2001-0123. Task 9 and funding for tenant-based rental housing assistance was provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

We would like to thank the many people who made this study a success. In addition to the authors of this paper, the Housing and Health Study members (in alphabetical order) include Arturo Bendixen (AIDS Foundation of Chicago), Kate Briddell (City of Baltimore, Department of Housing and Community Development), Shahry Deyhimy (City of Los Angeles Housing Department), Paul Dornan (HUD), Myrna Hooper (Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles), Jennafer Kwait (RTI), Fred Licari (RTI), Shirley Nash (City of Chicago Department of Public Health), Sherri L. Pals (CDC), William Rudy (HUD), and David Vos (HUD). We would also like to acknowledge the contributions of anonymous reviewers from AIDS and Behavior whom provided valuable feedback.

Disclaimer

The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Human Participant Protection

This study was approved by the institutional review board of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, RTI International, and Columbia University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, NE MS E-37, Atlanta, GA, 30333, USA

    Kirk D. Henny, Daniel P. Kidder & Richard J. Wolitski

  2. Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Ron Stall

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  1. Kirk D. Henny
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  2. Daniel P. Kidder
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  3. Ron Stall
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  4. Richard J. Wolitski
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Correspondence to Kirk D. Henny.

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Henny, K.D., Kidder, D.P., Stall, R. et al. Physical and Sexual Abuse among Homeless and Unstably Housed Adults Living with HIV: Prevalence and Associated Risks. AIDS Behav 11, 842–853 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-007-9251-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10461-007-9251-6

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