The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #61514

Monika Mitra, PhD¹, Phyllis Brawarsky, MPH², and Nancy Wilber, EdD¹. (1) Bureau of Family and Community Health, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 250 Washington St, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02108, 617-624-5592, monika.mitra@state.ma.us, (2) Bureau of Health Statistics, Research and Evaluation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 250 Washington Street, 6th floor, Boston, MA 02108

The purpose of this study was to examine sexual assault against 18-59 year old women with disabilities using 1998-2001 Massachusetts BRFSS data. Respondents reporting use of special equipment or limitations from impairments or health problems for at least one year were classified as having disabilities. Analyses were age-standardized to US Census 2000 population. Women were divided in 4 groups: with/without disability; ever/never assaulted. Women with disabilities were significantly more likely to report ever being assaulted (35.0%, 95% CI =30.2-39.7) and being assaulted in the past five years (6.0%, 95%CI=3.5-8.4) compared with women without disabilities (17.6%, 95%CI=16.2-19.1 and 2.6%, 95%CI=1.9-3.3 respectively). No further analysis of the data on women with disabilities who were assaulted in the past five years could be done due to small numbers. There was no difference in the type of perpetrator between women with and without disabilities who were ever assaulted. Women with disabilities who were ever assaulted were more likely to report the following measures of poor health compared with all other groups of women: 15+ in past month days sad, blue, depressed; 15+ days tense; 15+ days dissatisfied with life; and 15+ days of frequent mental distress. Data suggests that violence prevention programs should take into account disability status.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be informed about the sexual assault among adults with major disabilities. They will develop an understanding of the connection between sexual assault and poor health outcomes among people with disabilities. Finally, participants will recognize the importance of incorporating questions on sexual assault in disability research.

Keywords: Sexual Assault, Disability

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.