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Journal of Substance Use 7, 34-40, 2002
José Martínez-Raga, Francis Keaney, E. Jane Marshall, David Ball, David Best and John Strang
Background Victims of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) show higher rates of several psychiatric and substance abuse disorders in adulthood. High rates of CSA have been reported in alcohol- or drug-dependent patients presenting to treatment. However, there is a paucity of European research with regard to inpatient alcohol-dependent populations.
Aims The aim was to describe the prevalence of CSA in a UK sample of alcohol-dependent inpatients admitted over a 3-year period to a specialist alcohol unit; also to identify socio-demographic, alcohol and other substance use-related variables, and co-morbid psychiatric disorders associated with CSA.
Method Clinical and socio-demographic data and information on childhood sexual abuse (CSA) were collected from 414 admissions, between September 1995 and September 1998, to the Specialist Alcohol Inpatient Unit.
Results In the total sample of 414 subjects, 52 had experienced CSA. Of the 311 male subjects included in the study, 20 (6.4%) had experienced CSA. Of the 103 female subjects in the study sample, 32 (31.1%) disclosed having a history of CSA (CSA-females). Women victims of CSA were more likely to be non-white, to have a positive family history of alcoholism and to have fewer years of excessive drinking prior to admission. They were also significantly more likely to have a lifetime diagnosis of depressive anxiety and eating disorders, as well as being more likely to have a co-morbid post-traumatic stress disorder and a borderline personality disorder. Male victims had significantly higher Alcohol Problems Questionnaire (APQ) scores, were more likely to live alone, to be single, separated, divorced or widowed and to have a post-traumatic stress disorder and a b