Do Sexual Health Care Needs Differ for Women With and Without Histories of Abuse?

• NCJ Number: 205719
• Journal: Violence Against Women Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2004 Pages: 294-311
• Author(s): Margaret R. H. Nusbaum; Pamela York Frasier; Sarah P. Zimmerman; Amanda A. Pyles
• Editor(s): Claire M. Renzetti
• Date Published: March 2004
• Length: 18 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study describes the nature and prevalence of sexual concerns among women reporting a history of abuse and compares how their concerns and experiences differ from women who did not report abuse.

Abstract

Past research has shown a high prevalence of women reporting a history of sexual abuse. The long-term effects of abuse may cause a variety of sexual concerns among these women. However, information regarding sexual concerns and sexual health care needs of women who have experienced abuse is limited. This study compared sexual concerns for women with a history of abuse, to determine their interest in and experience in discussing these concerns with physicians to women without a history of abuse. The study was conducted at the Madigan Army Medical Center in Pierce County, WA. A survey questionnaire was designed to measure demographics, sexual orientation, sexual values, sexual concerns, communication about sexual concerns, interest in addressing sexual concerns with a doctor, and experience in addressing sexual concerns with a doctor. The population targeted in the study consisted of all women who sought routine gynecological care between August 1992 and December 1992 at the Department of Family Practice and between December 1992 and January 1993 at the Department of OB/GYN. Study results confirmed that although sexual concerns are virtually universal among women, they appear to be present to a greater degree among those who have experienced any form of abuse. In addition to showing a higher frequency of sexual concerns among women with a history of abuse, there was also a significantly more intense decrease in sexual desire. Supported by previous studies, this study shows a strong association between childhood and adult abuse. Additional studies are recommended in the area of women’s sexual health, and in particular among individuals who have experienced abuse. References