Molestowanie seksualne przed uzyskaniem pełnoletności a stan zdrowia i funkcjonowanie społeczne osób uzależnionych od opioidów leczonych substytucyjnie

A number of previous studies confirmed worse health and social conditions among opioid-dependent individuals with a childhood history of sexual abuse. To the best of our knowledge, this issue has not been investigated in the Polish population. We aimed to analyse the prevalence of sexual abuse in opioid-dependent individuals undergoing therapy in the methadone maintenance clinic and to assess the association of clinical and social characteristics with a history of sexual abuse.MethodThe study included a sample of 240 opioid-dependent patients. Participants were interviewed using self-reported questionnaire and standardised measures on experience of childhood and adulthood abuse, physical and mental health, addictions, social functioning and family history.ResultsAbout 35% of women reported sexual violence in childhood. Sexual abuse in this period was associated with family dysfunction, physical abuse, current more intensive depressive symptoms and pain, as well as suicide attempts with stronger morbid desires.DiscussionThe present findings are consistent with previous research of other authors. Interestingly, the present study did not confirm the relationship between sexual abuse and severity of opioid or alcohol dependence and poor social functioning.ConclusionThe results of our study suggest the potential benefit to multifaceted treatment approach, which should specifically address sexual abuse and suicidal behaviour in opioid-dependent patients