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Lifetime Victimization and Physical Health Outcomes among Lesbian and Heterosexual Women

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  • Judith P Andersen
  • Tonda L Hughes
  • Christopher Zou
  • Sharon C Wilsnack

Abstract

Background: Lifetime victimization experiences, including child sexual abuse (CSA), child physical abuse (CPA), adult sexual assault (ASA), and adult physical assault (APA), are associated with health problems. Purpose: To examine relationships between cumulative victimization and physical health among heterosexual and lesbian women and determine whether these relationships differ by sexual identity. Methods: Large samples of heterosexual (n = 482) and lesbian women (n = 394) were interviewed. Questions included lifetime victimization experiences and physical health problems. Results: Compared to women who reported no childhood victimization, those who reported experiencing both CSA and CPA were 44% more likely to report health problems and women who experienced all four types of victimization (CSA, CPA, APA, ASA) were nearly 240% as likely to report physical health problems. Interaction analyses revealed the association between victimization and physical health did not differ by sexual identity. Conclusions: Although lesbians were more likely to report all types of victimization, results suggest that victimization conferred increased physical health risks regardless of sexual identity.

Suggested Citation

  • Judith P Andersen & Tonda L Hughes & Christopher Zou & Sharon C Wilsnack, 2014. "Lifetime Victimization and Physical Health Outcomes among Lesbian and Heterosexual Women," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 9(7), pages 1-9, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:plo:pone00:0101939
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101939
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    1. Roberts, A.L. & Austin, S.B. & Corliss, H.L. & Vandermorris, A.K. & Koenen, K.C., 2010. "Pervasive trauma exposure among US sexual orientation minority adults and risk of posttraumatic stress disorder," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(12), pages 2433-2441.
    2. Conron, K.J. & Mimiaga, M.J. & Landers, S.J., 2010. "A population-based study of sexual orientation identity and gender differences in adult health," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 100(10), pages 1953-1960.
    3. Wilsnack, R.W. & Wilsnack, S.C. & Klassen, A.D., 1984. "Women's drinking and drinking problems: Patterns from a 1981 national survey," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 74(11), pages 1231-1238.
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    1. Billy A Caceres & Abraham Brody & Deborah Chyun, 2016. "Recommendations for cardiovascular disease research with lesbian, gay and bisexual adults," Journal of Clinical Nursing, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 25(23-24), pages 3728-3742, December.

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