Citation

Irish L, Kobayashi I, Delahanty DL. J. Pediatr. Psychol. 2010; 35(5): 450-461.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, 118 Kent Hall, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Oxford University Press)

DOI

10.1093/jpepsy/jsp118

PMID

20022919

PMCID

PMC2910944

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present article was to systematically review the literature investigating the long-term physical health consequences of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). METHODS: Literature searches yielded 31 studies comparing individuals with and without a history of CSA on six health outcomes: general health, gastrointestinal (GI) health, gynecologic or reproductive health, pain, cardiopulmonary symptoms, and obesity. Exploratory subgroup analyses were conducted to identify potential methodological moderators. RESULTS: Results suggested that a history of CSA was associated with small to moderate group differences on almost all health outcomes assessed, such that individuals with a history of CSA reported more complaints for each health outcome. Suggestive trends in moderating variables of study design and methodology are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Results highlight the long-term physical health consequences of CSA and identify potential moderators to aid in the design of future research.

Language: en