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- Posttraumatic stress disorder, childhood trauma and health behaviors in victims of intimate partner violencePublication . Da Costa Gomes, Solange; Costa, Eleonora Cunha VeigaAbstract: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is considered a serious public health problem and a significant risk factor for women’s health. In Portugal, studies focusing on the investigation of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), childhood trauma, and health behaviors in victims of IPV are scarce. This research aimed to analyse the effects of childhood victimization and of IPV on PTSD symptoms and health behaviors in a sample of Portuguese women, including victims and non-victims of IPV (n=117). The participants’ ages ranged from 19 to 74 years (M=37.76; SD=14.85). Differences between women with and without IPV in childhood trauma, PTSD symptoms, and health behaviors were also examined. Results indicated that women who are victims of IPV experience higher levels of childhood abuse and PTSD symptoms and engage in fewer health behaviors compared to non-victimized women. Childhood physical and emotional abuse along with psychological aggression in adulthood are the strongest predictors of PTSD symptoms. Childhood sexual abuse and sexual coercion in adulthood contribute to a lower engagement in health behaviors. This study underscores the impact of IPV on mental health and highlights the need to design effective interventions that prevent future revictimization and promote healthy behaviors among victims.
- Effects of intimate partner violence and child abuse on HIV risk behaviorsPublication . Barros, Ana; Martins, Fernando; Monteiro, Sílvia; Costa, Eleonora C. V.Abstract: The impact of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and childhood trauma on 141 Portuguese women’s HIV risk behaviors (61 victims and 80 non-victims of IPV) was examined as well as differences between victims and non-victims in terms of childhood trauma, condom use, and history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A cross-sectional study design was used with retrospective self-report. Women who reported IPV also reported more instances of child physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as more STIs than those who reported no history of abuse. IPV, including psychological aggression and physical assault without injury, significantly contributed to the presence/history of STIs, while younger age contributed to condom use. This study demonstrates the impact of IPV on HIV risk behaviors and highlights the need for effective intervention programs to prevent sexual risk behaviors and promote sexual health among victimized women.