Victimization, Smoking, and Chronic Physical Health Problems Among Sexual Minority Women
Year: 2011
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sexual minority women (SMW) have been shown to be at increased risk for abuse, smoking, and chronic physical health problems compared with heterosexual women. In the general population, abuse and smoking are associated with physical health problems. However, there has been little research on their associations among SMW. PURPOSE: The current study examined a mediational model of abuse, smoking, and self-reported physical health conditions in a national sample of SMW. METHODS: Participants (N = 1,224) were recruited via the Internet and completed measures of childhood trauma, adult sexual assault, smoking, body mass index, and chronic medical conditions. RESULTS: Structural equation modeling demonstrated that childhood abuse was associated with adult sexual assault, smoking, and physical health problems, but smoking was not a significant mediator. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight the impact of childhood abuse on physical health problems among SMW and the need to examine other health behaviors that may mediate this relation.
Source: Annals of Behavioral Medicine
Authors: Keren Lehavot, Jane M. Simoni
Institution: University of Washington
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: Peer & Pager Support to Enhance Antiretroviral Adherence, MINORITY STRESS AMONG SEXUAL MINORITY WOMEN, Mentoring Diverse Scientists in Global HIV Research on Mental Health & Adherence, Addressing Depression and ART Adherence in HIV+ Adults on the US-Mexico Border, University of Washington/Fred Hutch Center for AIDS Research
OpenAlex ID: W2028739619