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. 2014 May 15;26(2):244-257.
doi: 10.1080/10538720.2014.891451.

Sexual Abuse is Associated with Negative Health Consequences among High-risk Men who have Sex with Men

Joshua A Rusow  1 , Jesse B Fletcher  1 , Hung Le  1 , Cathy J Reback  2
Affiliations

Sexual Abuse is Associated with Negative Health Consequences among High-risk Men who have Sex with Men

Joshua A Rusow et al. J Gay Lesbian Soc Serv. .

Abstract

This study evaluated whether a history of sexual abuse could differentiate negative health consequences among men who have sex with men (MSM; N=148) enrolled in a risk counseling program. Over half (51.4%) reported an experience of sexual abuse. A history of sexual abuse was associated with increased psychological distress, increased rates of alcohol (AOR = 2.91; p < .01) and/or drug abuse (AOR = 2; p < .01) treatment, increased risk of housing instability (AOR = 2.13; p < .05), and increased risk for suicidality (AOR = 4.3; p < .001). Findings demonstrate that screening for sexual abuse may be useful in determining the service needs of high-risk MSM.

Keywords: MSM; homelessness; mental health; sexual abuse; substance abuse treatment; suicide.

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