Oral

Men who have sex with men (MSM) and Intravenous drug users (IDUs) are populations at high risk for HIV in the United States. An understanding of population segments that contribute to these ongoing HIV epidemics is essential. Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is highly prevalent (20%) among MSM, and MSM CSA victims have higher levels of HIV risk behavior and HIV infection than non-victims (Paul et al., 2001; Catania et al., 2008). The extent of CSA victimization among IDUs may also be substantial, and the implications for HIV risk among IDUs is under study. Understanding the mediators of childhood sexual trauma and adult HIV risk behaviors (sex and drug related), and describing the challenges for targeting and tailoring HIV prevention programs for CSA victims is a priority. The symposium would present four papers on data relevant to CSA and MSM and a fifth paper that extends this work to IDUs. Collectively, these papers present new data on proximal and developmental mediators/modifiers of CSA and adult HIV risk behavior among MSM and IDUs. In addition, work will be presented that examines the extent to which CSA victims disclose their CSA histories, and in so doing, aid in identifying potential venues for targeting HIV-prevention messages to highly stigmatized populations. In this context, important findings will be presented that suggest that standard HIV prevention efforts with CSA victims may be limited in promoting safe sex, and may even acerbate risk behavior. Discussants will consider findings from Syndemic and developmental perspectives.

Session Objectives: 1) Describe the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and HIV risk behavior among MSM and IDUs. 2) Explain standard HIV prevention efforts with childhood sexual abuse victims. 3) Describe appropriate HIV prevention intervention methods for childhood sexual abuse victims.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)