Citation

Mendoza-Meléndez MÁ, Cepeda A, Frankeberger J, López-Macario M, Valdez A. J. Subst. Use 2018; 23(5): 520-527.

Affiliation

University of Southern California, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Informa Healthcare)

DOI

10.1080/14659891.2018.1489478

PMID

30393464

PMCID

PMC6214458

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a pervasive problem that has been linked to numerous developmental, social, health, and substance use consequences. Nevertheless, the relationship between CSA and the consumption of psychoactive substances has not been adequately studied in Mexico. The present study aims to examine this association between history of CSA and illicit substance use and associated risk behaviors in a sample of young adult women in Mexico City. DESIGN AND METHODS: The present study uses a cross-sectional design to examine sexual abuse history among women who use illicit substances. Data collection consisted of a questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews with 101 women who sought treatment for substance use in Mexico City. A bivariate analysis was used to examine women who experienced sexual abuse and those who did not. Odds ratio and relative risk were estimated.

RESULTS: A total of 101 women were interviewed with an average age of 19.2 years. The average age of onset of drug use was 15.4 years. Among participants, 68% reported having been victims of sexual abuse and rape. The average age of reported sexual abuse was 12.2 years. Participants reported a high rate of polydrug use (32.7%), consuming more than two drugs. Sexual abuse was associated with detention by police for drugs, forced prostitution, and consumption of substances during pregnancy.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This study found that sexual abuse and rape were highly associated with substance abuse outcomes and associated risk behaviors.

Language: en

Keywords

Child sexual abuse; consume illicit substances; risk behaviors; substances use