 |
|
Study finds higher prevalence of early menarche among survivors of childhood sexual abuse
May 19, 2009(Boston) - African-American women who were younger at menarche, or the onset of their menstrual periods, were more likely to report a history of childhood sexual abuse, according to a new study led by a researcher at Boston University's Slone Epidemiology Center. The results suggest that a history of sexual abuse may increase the risk of early menarche (i.e., onset of menstrual periods before age 12 years).
The study, which appears currently on-line in the American Journal of Public Health, examined the prevalence of sexual and physical abuse in childhood among more than 35,000 African-American women aged 21-69 years participating in the Black Women's Health Study, a national prospective cohort study.
The study found that a high proportion of participants reported a history of childhood abuse: 43 percent reported physical abuse and 18 percent reported sexual abuse. Women who reported a higher frequency of childhood sexual abuse had a higher likelihood of early menarche: a 26 percent increased risk of early menarche for 1-3 incidents of sexual abuse and a 34 percent increased risk of early menarche for four or more incidents, compared with women reporting no childhood abuse. There was a weaker association between physical abuse and early menarche.
The study used a considerably larger sample than any of the previous studies; examined African-American women, who have been underrepresented in earlier investigations; controlled for potential confounders that were not controlled previously; and simultaneously accounted for sexual and physical abuse in all analyses. An important limitation was the retrospective nature of data collection, which prevented establishment of the temporal relationship between abuse onset and menarche.
According to lead author Lauren A. Wise, ScD, an epidemiologist at the Slone Epidemiology Center and an assistant professor of epidemiology at Boston University School of Public Health, it is biologically plausible that childhood sexual abuse could influence age of menarche. Wise noted that "A link between sexual abuse and early menarche, if real, could have important public health implications because early menarche is associated with earlier age at initiation of sexual activity and first pregnancy, and is a risk factor for several adult conditions, including gynecologic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer."
Boston University Medical Center
The study used a considerably larger sample than any of the previous studies; examined African-American women, who have been underrepresented in earlier investigations; controlled for potential confounders that were not controlled previously; and simultaneously accounted for sexual and physical abuse in all analyses. An important limitation was the retrospective nature of data collection, which prevented establishment of the temporal relationship between abuse onset and menarche.
According to lead author Lauren A. Wise, ScD, an epidemiologist at the Slone Epidemiology Center and an assistant professor of epidemiology at Boston University School of Public Health, it is biologically plausible that childhood sexual abuse could influence age of menarche. Wise noted that "A link between sexual abuse and early menarche, if real, could have important public health implications because early menarche is associated with earlier age at initiation of sexual activity and first pregnancy, and is a risk factor for several adult conditions, including gynecologic disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer."
Boston University Medical Center
Sexual Abuse Current Events and Sexual Abuse News RSSHalloween sex offender policies questioned
The rates of non-familial sex crimes against children under the age of 12 are no higher during the Halloween season than at any other times of the year.
New study finds high rates of childhood exposure to violence and abuse in US
A new study from the University of New Hampshire finds that U.S. children are routinely exposed to even more violence and abuse than has been previously recognized, with nearly half experiencing a physical assault in the study year.
Pre-chewed food could transmit HIV
Researchers have uncovered the first cases in which HIV almost certainly was transmitted from mothers or other caregivers to children through pre-chewed food.
Brown Professor Continues Debate Over Recovered Memory
Two years after two Harvard psychiatrists published a controversial paper on repressed memory, Brown University political scientist Ross Cheit is engaged in an academic dispute over that paper's integrity and its implications. Cheit's paper appears in the current issue of Journal of Trauma & Dissociation.
People with parents who fight are more likely to have mental health problems in later life
People with parents who were violent to each other are more likely to have mental health problems when they grow up.
Study helps identify college drinkers who might continue excessive drinking as adults
College students who are problem drinkers using alcohol to cope with personal problems and boost self-confidence are more likely to continue excessive drinking into adulthood, a recent study suggests.
Exposure to family violence compromises physical and mental health of older women
Older African American women exposed to high levels of family violence during their lifetimes are at significantly greater risk of poor health status, according to a report in the current issue of Journal of Women's Health, a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
How multiple childhood maltreatments lead to greater adolescent binge drinking
Researchers from Boston University found that multiple types of child maltreatment are robust risk factors for underage binge drinking based on a national multi-year study that explored the influence of social environment on the health of adolescents.
Differences in Recovered Memories of Childhood Sexual Abuse
When a child experiences a traumatic event, such as sexual abuse, it may not be until well into adulthood that they remember the incident. It is not known how adults are able to retrieve long-forgotten memories of abuse and there has been some controversy as to the authenticity of these reports.
Telemedicine can dramatically improve child sexual assault examinations in rural areas
The use of telemedicine can dramatically improve the quality of child sexual assault examinations in rural communities where rates of abuse and neglect are highest - sometimes more than double the statewide rate - a study published in the January issue of the medical journal Pediatrics has found.
More Sexual Abuse Current Events and Sexual Abuse News Articles
 |
Surviving Childhood Sexual Abuse Workbook: Practical Exercises For Working On Problems Resulting From Childhood Abuse by Carolyn Ainscough (Author), Kay Toon (Author) The practical companion for Surviving Childhood Sexual Abuse. The Surviving Childhood Sexual Abuse Workbook guides male and female survivors through a series of exercises, charts and checklists aimed at recognizing, understanding and working on the problems resulting from childhood sexual abuse. The exercises are divided into four parts: Beginnings: Understanding your Present Problems and Keeping Safe |
 |
The Sexual Healing Journey: A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse (Revised Edition) by Wendy Maltz (Author) Considered a classic in its field, this comprehensive guide will help survivors of sexual abuse improve their relationships and discover the joys of sexual intimacy. Wendy Maltz takes survivors step-by-step through the recovery process using groundbreaking exercises and techniques. Based on the author's clinical work, interviews, and workshops, this guide is filled with first-person accounts of women and men at every stage of sexual healing. This compassionate resource helps survivors to: Identify the sexual effects of sexual abuse Eliminate negative sexual behavior and resolve specific problems Gain control over upsetting automatic reactions to touch and sex Develop a healthy sexual self-concept |
 |
Please Tell!: A Child's Story About Sexual Abuse (Early Steps) by Jessie Ottenweller (Author) Written and illustrated by a young girl who was sexually molested by a family member, this book reaches out to other children in a way that no adult can. Jessie's words carry the message, "It's o.k. to tell; help can come when you tell." This book is an excellent tool for therapists, counselors, child protection workers, teachers, and parents dealing with children affected by sexual abuse. Jessie's story adds a sense of hope for what should be, and the knowledge that the child protection system can work for children. Simple, direct, and from the heart, Jessie gives children the permission and the courage to deal with sexual abuse. "Please Tell! is a beautifully simple book with a profoundly important message for children who have been sexually abused: the abuse wasn't their... |
 |
The Courage to Heal 4e: A Guide for Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse 20th Anniversary Edition by Ellen Bass (Author), Laura Davis (Author) Come to terms with your past while moving powerfully into the future The Courage to Heal is an inspiring, comprehensive guide that offers hope and a map of the healing journey to every woman who was sexually abused as a child—and to those who care about her. Although the effects of child sexual abuse are long-term and severe, healing is possible. Weaving together personal experience with professional knowledge, the authors provide clear explanations, practical suggestions, and support throughout the healing process. Readers will feel recognized and encouraged by hundreds of moving first-person stories drawn from interviews and the authors' extensive work with survivors, both nationally and internationally. This completely revised and updated 20th anniversary... |
 |
Hush: Moving From Silence to Healing After Childhood Sexual Abuse by Nicole Braddock Bromley (Author) Childhood sexual abuse is running rampant, yet it's the best-kept secret in our nation today. Its victims grow into adulthood with their little child's heart trapped in the pain and torment of their past. Nicole Braddock Bromley shares her own story and the steps to moving from silence to healing. Hush exposes the harsh realities of childhood abuse, explains the pain it causes, examines the false beliefs it creates, and empowers survivors to begin a personal journey toward healing by breaking the silence.With words of understanding and comfort, Nicole tells the real-life stories of those whose voices would otherwise never be heard. She is straightforward enough to pierce the hearts of those in a survivor's circle of influence, yet careful to tread lightly on what could be tender words. |
 |
Surviving Childhood Sexual Abuse: Practical Self-help For Adults Who Were Sexually Abused As Children by Carolyn Ainscough (Author), Kay Toon (Author) Dealing with sexual abuse at any stage in life creates enormous emotional and physical challenges. This book reaches out to all who were sexually abused as children, with information about the kinds of problems it can cause and how survivors can deal with those problems and break free from the past. This book specifically addresses this often traumatic experience from an adult's perspective as they learn to cope with the aftermath of having been sexually abused as a child. Clinical psychologists Carolyn Ainscough and Kay Toon offer positive suggestions and helpful techniques for dealing with and overcoming the effects of abuse. Whether you're looking for help for your own recovery or for that of a partner, other family member or friend, this guide has what one needs... |
 |
Counseling Survivors of Sexual Abuse (AACC Counseling Library) by Diane Langberg (Author) This professional reference equips Christian counselors and the church to help adult victims of childhood sexual abuse through the healing process. |
 |
Awful Normal Starring: Celesta Davis Directed By: Celesta Davis Winner Grand Prize, Documentary - Cinequest Film Festival Celesta Davis has been on both Oprah and Primetime Live to talk about Awful Normal Celesta and Karen Davis grew up in a loving family. They shared many wonderful childhood moments and, at the time, thought it all was normal. But when Karen and Celesta were molested in 1978, little was being done about sexual abuse. Their parents' lack of action was neither questioned nor challenged, including years of continued social contact with the perpetrator, his wife and their two young children. This made for some not-so-normal memories. Twenty-five years later, feeling unresolved, they begin their quest to find the man who took advantage of their innocence and to ask him something that has haunted them for almost their entire... |
 |
Helping Victims of Sexual Abuse: A Sensitive Biblical Guide for Counselors, Victims, and Families by Lynn Heitritter (Author), Jeanette Vought (Author) How do we minister to victims of sexual abuse? It’s a difficult problem for Christian communities. This solidly biblical and sensitive guide is packed full of helpful information that provides a valuable perspective on how abuse affects children and the family dynamics that play into its development. As well, readers will also discover practical tools that can lead adult victims into full recovery in Christ. Required reading for everyone who wants to bring meaningful ministry to those affected by sexual abuse. |
 |
I Never Told Anyone: Writings by Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse by Ellen Bass (Author) A reissue of the now-classic anthology (with more than 60,000 copies sold) of deeply moving testimonies by survivors of child sexual abuse--with a new afterword by Ellen Bass, co-author of The Courage to Heal. |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |