HIV risk-behavior in poor urban women with serious mental disorders: association with childhood physical and sexual abuse.

ABSTRACT

Associations between childhood sexual and physical abuse and HIV-related risky behavior were examined among low-income, urban women with severe mental disorders. Early sexual abuse was found to be related to adult sexual and physical assault, alcohol and cocaine abuse, and prostitution; childhood physical abuse was related to adult physical assault and alcohol abuse. Findings highlight the importance of making HIV risk-reduction programs a part of integrated services that address a full range of psychosocial needs.