Methods: The study was conducted jointly by the BCCOE. Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to 1450 HIV-positive members. Statistical analyses were carried out using parametric and distribution-free methods.
Results: Of a sample 620, 262 (43.0%) self-reported sexual abuse and/or experience coercive sex (37.4%). Persons assaulted were significantly more likely to be women (14% vs. 7%; p=0.003); or Gay men (45% vs. 53%; p=0.048), likely to identify as straight men (30.1% vs. 69.8%; p=0.011). Persons reporting sexual abuse were likely: to be injection drug users [Odds Ratio (OR)=2.88; 95% CI: 1.84 - 4.51]; used a detox centre [OR=5.98 ; 95% CI: 1.11 - 4.60]; been a patient in a psychiatric ward [OR=4.04; 95% CI: 1.11 - 4.04]. They were less likely: to be male [OR=0.40; 95% CI: 0.22 - 0.74]; to identify as a "straight" man [OR=0.32; 95% CI: 0.16 - 0.61]; have a low plasma viral load [OR=0.63 ; 95% CI: 0.43 - 0.92]. After adjusting for gender, First Nations status, education, stable housing, social identity, and institutional experience within this sample, IDUs were 2.77 times [95% CI: 1.73 - 4.44] likely to have been assaulted.
Conclusion: Results indicate high rates of sexual assault within a small cross-sectional sample of men and women [N=620]. Sexual assault and coercive sex was clearly linked to health status and IDU but also to: First Nations status, social identity, age, gender, stable housing, education, and institutional experience.
Learning Objectives: The study was conducted jointly by the BCCOE. Self-administered questionnaires were mailed to 1450 HIV-positive members. Statistical analyses were carried out using parametric and distribution-free methods
Keywords: Sexual Assault, HIV/AIDS
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.