Year: 2017
Type: article
Abstract: This study assessed the associations between victimization (physical and sexual abuse), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) severity, and unprotected sex occasions in substance abusing African American women.The current study was a secondary analysis of baseline data collected from a subset of women who participated the National Institute on Drug Abuse Center for Clinical Trials Network 0015 (CTN 0015) randomized controlled trial (Hien et al., 2009).The CTN 0015 protocol was a multi-site randomized clinical trial that assessed the Seeking Safety intervention in 357 women substance abusers with co-occurring Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).Sixty-six African American women participated in the current study.Among this sample, 80% (n = 53) endorsed lifetime physical abuse from a male sexual partner.There were no associations between victimization and unprotected sexual occasions in the current sample at baseline (p > .05).Moreover, there were no associations between PTSD severity and unprotected sexual occasions in the current sample.The moderation model of PTSD severity increasing the relationship between victimization and risky sexual behavior was nonsignificant (p > .05).The current study is among the first to examine moderating factors of PTSD in substance-abusing African American women.The clinical implications of this study suggest the importance of addressing potential trauma related disorders as a result of victimization among substance African Americans in substance abuse treatment.iii iv ACKNOWLEDGMENTS First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge God for giving me the strength, and perseverance to complete this project.Next I would like to acknowledge Dr. Kathy Burlew, my mentor, who provided support during this process and throughout my entire graduate career.I am forever grateful to you for giving me this opportunity
Author: Chizara Ahuama-Jonas
Institution: University of Cincinnati
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2804447791