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Victimization experiences and HIV infection in women: Associations with serostatus, psychological symptoms, and health status
Author(s) -
Kimerling Rachel,
Armistead Lisa,
Forehand Rex
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
journal of traumatic stress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.259
H-Index - 134
eISSN - 1573-6598
pISSN - 0894-9867
DOI - 10.1023/a:1024790131267
Subject(s) - serostatus , mental health , clinical psychology , psychiatry , distress , psychological distress , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , psychology , physical abuse , suicide prevention , medicine , sexual abuse , poison control , environmental health , immunology , viral load
The present investigation evaluates the relationship between HIV infection and victimization with regard to the interplay of these two factors as they relate to mental and physical health. Eighty eight inner‐city low income African‐American women who are HIV‐infected and a demographically similar comparison group of women who were not HIV‐infected were assessed for victimization experiences (rape, physical assault, robbery/attack) via interview. Additionally, the psychological symptoms and health status correlates of victimization within the HIV‐infected group are delineated. Results indicated that women in the HIV‐infected sample were significantly more likely to report a victimization experience. Additionally, within the HIV‐infected group, victims reported higher levels of global psychological distress, depressive symptomatology, and greater distress regarding physical symptoms than nonvictims. Furthermore, HIV‐infected victims were diagnosed with higher rates of AIDS‐defining conditions than HIV‐infected nonvictims. These results underscore the importance of acknowledging the experience of violent victimization in the prevention and treatment of HIV infection in women.