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Abstract #153093
Audio (mp3) recordingSaba Masho, MD, MPH, DrPH, Epidemiology and Community Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1000 E. Clay Street, Richmond, VA 980212, 804.628.2509, swmasho@vcu.edu and Lisa Anderson, MPH, Epidemiology & Community Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 980212, 1000 E. Clay Street, Richmond, VA 23298-0212.
Background: Male sexual assault is a serious public health issue. It is mostly under-reported and unrecognized, making the estimation of its true magnitude difficult. This population-based study examines the prevalence and determines correlates of male sexual assault in Virginia.
Methods: In a random-digit-dialing (RDD) telephone survey conducted between November 2002 and February 2003, a total of 705 adult men were interviewed. Survey respondents were asked about history, type and consequences of the sexual assault. Information on demographic characteristics and help-seeking behaviors was also collected.
Results: The lifetime prevalence of male sexual assault in Virginia was 12.9%. The prevalence of child molestation and rape was 6.4% and 4.5%, respectively. About 60% of the perpetrators were males, and 25% of those surveyed reported to have been victimized by a friend. Only 6.6% reported the incident to the police and 15.4% sought counseling. Logistic regression analysis showed that victims of sexual violence were more likely to be depressed. Compared to those who reported no history of sexual assault, those assaulted were three times more likely to be depressed [OR=3.12, 95%CI =1.90-5.12]. No statistically significant difference was found for race, age, ethnicity, marital status or perceived health status.
Conclusion: This study confirms that male sexual assault is a prevalent problem in Virginia. It is also evident that victimized men were more likely to be depressed and yet did not seek health services. Efforts should be made to reach men with a history of sexual assault.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the prevalence of sexual assault in Virginia
- Describe the different characteristics of male sexual assault
- Describe determinants of sexual assault
Keywords: Sexual Assault, Male Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Any relevant financial relationships? No
Any institutionally-contracted trials related to this submission?
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.
The 135th APHA Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 3-7, 2007) of APHA