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Davidson CA, Kennedy K, Jackson KT. Trauma-Informed Approaches in the Context of Cancer Care in Canada and the United States: A Scoping Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:2983-2996. [PMID: 36086877 PMCID: PMC10594848 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221120836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is predominantly understood as a physical condition, but the experience of cancer is often psychologically challenging and has potential to be traumatic. Some people also experience re-traumatization during cancer because of previous, non-cancer-related trauma, such as intimate partner violence or adverse childhood experiences. A trauma-informed approach to care (TIC) has potential to enhance care and outcomes; however, literature regarding cancer-related TIC is limited. Accordingly, the objective of this scoping review was to identify what is known from existing literature about trauma-informed approaches to cancer care in Canada and the United States. A scoping review (using Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework) was conducted. The PsycINFO, CINAHL, MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and Scopus databases, key journals, organizations, and reference lists were searched in February 2022. In total, 124 sources met the review criteria and 13 were included in the final review. Analysis included a basic descriptive summary and deductive thematic analysis using conceptual categories. Theorizations, applications, effectiveness, and feasibility of TIC were compiled, and gaps in TIC and recommendations for TIC were identified. TIC appeared to be growing in popularity and promising for improving cancer outcomes; however, gaps in the theorization, effectiveness, and feasibility of TIC persisted. Many recommendations for the application of TIC were not issued based on a strong body of evidence due to a lack of available literature. Further research is required to develop evidence-based recommendations regarding TIC related to cancer. A systematic review and meta-analysis would be warranted upon literature proliferation.
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Tsur N, Najjar AA, Katz C. "When I was a child, the doctor advised me to have sex more gently": The perceptions and experiences with the healthcare system as conveyed by adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Soc Sci Med 2023; 320:115685. [PMID: 36652755 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Extensive findings have illuminated the implications of child sexual abuse (CSA) for mental and physical health. Attention has been dedicated to the discrepancy between the high prevalence of CSA, and the lack of adequate CSA screening and trauma-informed care within healthcare systems. OBJECTIVE This study was designed to examine this discrepancy by providing CSA survivors' perspectives. Specifically, this study aims to uncover the perceptions and experiences of female survivors of CSA concerning their encounters with the healthcare system. METHODS Written narratives were collected from 53 female survivors of CSA as part of the Israeli Independent Public Inquiry into CSA, which were analyzed guided by an inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS This study's findings portrayed a complex scenery in which female survivors of CSA are concurrently dependent on healthcare services due to the CSA-related morbidity, yet they are hesitant and have difficulty approaching healthcare services. Additionally, the findings showed that the survivors of CSA described being perceived as mentally ill and distrustful; they also were encouraged to take excessive medication by healthcare providers, which resulted in many survivors of CSA avoiding further treatment. Furthermore, the survivors of CSA conveyed several clear messages to the healthcare system, all of which called for the urgent need to implement trauma-informed care. CONCLUSIONS These findings underline the necessity of a paradigm shift in which health and illness are viewed in light of personal, interpersonal, and social contexts. Simply put, it is time for trauma-informed care to be extensively implemented in healthcare services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noga Tsur
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | | | - Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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3
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Stensvehagen MT, Bronken BA, Lien L, Larsson G. Association of daily hassles, daily uplifts, coping styles and stress-related symptoms among women exposed to sexual abuse-A cross-sectional study. Scand J Caring Sci 2023; 37:117-130. [PMID: 35851719 DOI: 10.1111/scs.13107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women who experience physical or sexual violence report poor self-perceived health. Knowledge of daily hassles, daily uplifts and coping styles, as well as how these factors can affect health and well-being among survivors of sexual abuse, is important for healthcare professionals to understand and target their needs. AIM The aim of the current study was to explore the association of daily hassles, daily uplifts, coping strategies and stress-related symptoms among female survivors of sexual abuse. METHODS A group of women (n = 57), exposed to sexual abuse, were recruited from nine support centres in Norway. Participants completed a questionnaire that addressed demographics, socioeconomic conditions, trauma history, daily hassles, daily uplifts, coping styles and stress-related symptoms. Two groups of participants were compared: one group that had above-median scores on uplifts and adaptive coping styles and one group that had above-median scores on daily hassles and maladaptive coping styles. RESULTS Results indicate that women who experienced more daily hassles and used maladaptive coping styles reported significantly more stress-related symptoms, and particularly emotional symptoms, than women who experienced more daily uplifts and used adaptive coping styles. There were few differences between the two groups related to socioeconomic conditions and trauma history. CONCLUSION The results indicate that women in both groups struggle with stress-related physical, emotional, cognitive and target group-specific symptoms. However, high incidence of daily hassles and the use of maladaptive coping styles were associated with an increase in stress-related symptoms. Novell's findings indicate that despite severe traumatic experiences, adaptive coping styles and favourable perceptions of stress in everyday life were associated with a lower frequency of stress-related symptoms. It may therefore be helpful to focus on altering maladaptive coping styles to reduce stress-related symptoms among sexual abuse survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lars Lien
- Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway.,University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Gerry Larsson
- Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway.,Swedish Defence University, Karlstad, Sweden
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4
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Halldorsdottir S. In the jaws of death: Surviving women's experience of male intimate terrorism. J Adv Nurs 2023; 79:1426-1436. [PMID: 36625094 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To explore the meaning of male intimate terrorism, its evolvement and its impact on women from the perspective of female survivors. DESIGN The Vancouver School of Doing Phenomenology. METHODS Nine women were interviewed 1-3 times, in all 16 interviews. The interviews were from 68 to 172 min (average 87 min). Data analysis was done through interpretive thematic analysis. RESULTS For the surviving women, the intimate terrorism was a horrendous experience and they felt in the 'jaws of death'. The violence got worse over time from the entrapment phase where the men were obsessed with the women and monitored them, to the silencing phase, where the men silenced the women and the death phase, where the women felt as shadows of themselves. The women also described the awakening and recovery phases. The men's intense psychological aggression, marital rape and attempts to strangle them, were the gravest aspects of intimate terrorism and what contributed to them eventually feeling psychologically 'more than dead'. CONCLUSION What is most striking in the findings is how the fundamental human rights of the women were violated and how close to death the women came. Nurses need to be knowledgeable about the danger of intimate terrorism, how to screen for it and provide trauma-focused nursing care to women who have been subjected to such trauma. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION The women who were interviewed in the study are not patients, but they are part of the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigridur Halldorsdottir
- Faculty of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, School of Health, Business and Natural Sciences, University of Akureyri, Akureyri, Iceland
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5
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Johnston-Devin C, Mulvogue J, Kornhaber R, McLean L, Cleary M. Pain and Mental Health. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2023; 44:79-82. [PMID: 35104195 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2021.2024309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer Mulvogue
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia
| | - Rachel Kornhaber
- School of Nursing, University of Tasmania, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Loyola McLean
- Brain and Mind Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia.,Westmead Psychotherapy Program for Complex Traumatic Disorders, Western Sydney Local Health District and the Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Sydney, Parramatta, Australia
| | - Michelle Cleary
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Sciences, CQUniversity, Australia
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Head ML, Heck JL. Perinatal Care of Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors: Scoping Review. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs 2022; 47:154-159. [PMID: 35090159 DOI: 10.1097/nmc.0000000000000813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An estimated one in nine women seeking perinatal care is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), yet CSA may be unknown to nurses and other health care providers. Childhood sexual abuse can have adverse physical and psychological effects for survivors, and the intimacy of perinatal care can trigger distress like intrusive thoughts. PURPOSE To explore available literature about CSA survivors and perinatal care. Specific aims were to 1) identify nursing actions that ease undesirable feelings during perinatal care for CSA survivors and 2) identify gaps in the literature on perinatal care for CSA survivors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Following the PRISMA-ScR Checklist, MEDLINE and CINAHL databases were searched using: "Child Abuse, Sexual," "Perinatal Care," and "Parturition." Initial yield was 109 records. RESULTS Applying inclusion and exclusion criteria produced 14 full-text articles. Findings suggest that obtaining consent, promoting safety, trust, and control, fostering a healthy nurse-patient relationship, and inquiring about abuse may improve how CSA survivors experience perinatal care. Gaps in literature include nursing assessments for history of CSA with nonverbal cues. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS For all patients, nurses should foster security and trust. It is critical that CSA survivors be in control of their care. Procedures should be thoroughly explained, and most importantly, consent should be obtained prior to every physical touch. Nurses must ask about history of CSA because it is part of patient-centered care, which is central to nursing.
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Recurring Cystitis: How Can We Do Our Best to Help Patients Help Themselves? Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11020269. [PMID: 35203871 PMCID: PMC8868402 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11020269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Recurrent cystitis (RC) has rarely been studied; its management varies and research on a holistic approach of these patients is scarce. We attempted to characterize patients suffering from RC and investigated their current care pathways, aiming to offer customized and autonomous management. In this paper, we present a descriptive, single-center, cross-sectional study of women presenting with RC at an infectious disease (ID) clinic. A questionnaire was developed and was completed by ID physicians during patient visits. From October 2016 to January 2019, 202 women were included (mean age 59 years). Sexual intercourse, stress and diarrhoea/digestive symptoms were reported as trigger factors by 35%, 34% and 19% of patients, respectively. A majority (54%) were at risk for complications and were those more exposed to inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions. In total, 56% of women suffered from more than 10 episodes/year and 48% suffered from relapses, mainly due to E. coli. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) was a frequent complaint (74.5% of women). Fluoroquinolones and 3rd generation cephalosporins were prescribed in 38% and 30% of women, respectively. Most women wished for non-antimicrobial approaches and autonomy. Patients require comprehensive, tailored care in order to benefit from a broader range of treatment options in compliance with recommendations.
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Lo Iacono L, Trentini C, Carola V. Psychobiological Consequences of Childhood Sexual Abuse: Current Knowledge and Clinical Implications. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:771511. [PMID: 34924938 PMCID: PMC8678607 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.771511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A large body of research has documented the long-term harms of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on an individual’s emotional-adaptive function and mental health. Recent studies have also provided evidence of the biological impact of CSA, implicating specific alterations in many systems, including the endocrine and immune systems, and in DNA and chromatin, in the pathogenesis of medical disorders. Although the effects of CSA are often examined with regard to the general impact of early-life traumatic experiences, the study of CSA per sè, as a trigger of specific pathogenic pathways, would be more appropriate to understand their long-term implications and develop tailored diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Based on these premises, this narrative minireview summarizes the research on the short-term and long-term sequelae of CSA, focusing on dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the effects on the immune system, and the changes to DNA through altered methylation. Also, we discuss the literature that examines dysfunctional DNA telomere erosion and oxidative stress markers as a sign of CSA. Finally, recent evidence of the intergenerational transmission of the effects of CSA is reported. The impact of CSA on brain connectivity and functions is out of the scope of this review, thus brain imaging studies are not included. The results of this minireview are discussed, considering their implications for prevention and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Lo Iacono
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Trentini
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Carola
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
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Jonsdottir IV, Sigurdardottir S, Halldorsdottir S, Jonsdottir SS. 'We experienced lack of understanding in the healthcare system'. Experiences of childhood sexual abuse survivors of the childbearing process, health and motherhood. Scand J Caring Sci 2021; 36:673-685. [PMID: 34390257 DOI: 10.1111/scs.13024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has widespread and long-lasting impact on women's lives and health. Increased knowledge and deeper understanding are needed of survivors' experiences of the childbearing process, health and motherhood. METHODS In this phenomenological study, 16 in-depth interviews were conducted with nine female CSA survivors. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. RESULTS The overarching theme of the study is: 'more understanding is needed', which refers to the participants' experience that greater understanding is needed from health professionals of the long-term effects of CSA on childbearing women. Most of the women had suffered from poor health, especially chronic pain associated with fibromyalgia and gynaecological diseases. All of them had suffered mental health consequences particularly anxiety, depression and PTSD. The majority had experienced flashbacks to the violence and disassociation. Many had experienced miscarriages, had deviations from normal pregnancies and births, such as prolonged labour, caesarean sections, induction of labour, vacuum extraction, bleeding and exaggerated pregnancy problems, such as great nausea and pelvic pain. All but one had a negative experience in one of their births. All of them had experienced a lack of understanding in the healthcare system, perceived abuse of power and felt vulnerable in those situations. All of them had a strong need for a sense of control and participation in decision-making in the childbearing process. Most of them had experienced problems in bonding with their children and some have had difficulties touching them. All of them were in dire need of protecting their children from potential violence and many expressed a tendency to overprotect them. CONCLUSIONS Healthcare professionals need to have more knowledge and greater understanding of how healthcare services can be improved so that CSA survivors can have a better experience of the childbearing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inga Vala Jonsdottir
- Akureyri Hospital, Eyrarlandsvegi, Akureyri, Iceland.,Akureyri Health Clinic, The Health Care Institution of North Iceland, Akureyri, Iceland
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10
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Sigurdardottir S, Halldorsdottir S. Persistent Suffering: The Serious Consequences of Sexual Violence against Women and Girls, Their Search for Inner Healing and the Significance of the #MeToo Movement. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:1849. [PMID: 33672865 PMCID: PMC7918207 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
This paper uses the method of theory synthesis, primarily from our own previous studies and psychoneuroimmunology research, with the aim of exploring and better understanding the consequences of sexual violence for women and their search for inner healing. The impact of the #MeToo movement is also examined. The main finding is that sexual violence causes persistent suffering for women and girls. In childhood and adolescence, the main consequences include a feeling of unbearable secrecy, threat and humiliation; disconnection of body and soul; great fear and constant insecurity; damaged self-image, self-accusation and guilt; experiencing being compelled to take full responsibility for the crime; as well as various physical and mental health problems, e.g., suicidal thoughts. In adulthood, the consequences are also multifaceted and varied, including vaginal problems, recurrent urinary tract infections, widespread and chronic pain, sleeping problems, chronic back problems, and fibromyalgia, eating disorders, social anxiety, severe depression, and chronic fatigue. In conclusion, sexual violence has these extremely negative and long-term consequences because of the interconnectedness of body, mind, and soul. The seriousness of the consequences makes a trauma-informed approach to services essential to support the healing and improved health and well-being of survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrun Sigurdardottir
- School of Health Sciences, University of Akureyri, Nordurslod 2, 600 Akureyri, Iceland;
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11
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Latent Class Analysis in Depression, Including Clinical and Functional Variables: Evidence of a Complex Depressive Subtype in Primary Care in Chile. DEPRESSION RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2021; 2021:6629403. [PMID: 33628499 PMCID: PMC7895584 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6629403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish differentiated depressive subtypes using a latent class analysis (LCA), including clinical and functional indicators in a sample of depressed patients consulted in Chilean Primary Health Care. METHODS A LCA was performed on a sample of 297 depressed patients consulted in Chilean PHC. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Outcome Questionnaire -social role, and interpersonal subscales were as instruments. A regression analysis of the different subtypes with sociodemographic and adverse life experiences was performed. RESULTS In a sample characterized by 87.5% of women, two, three, and four latent class models were obtained. The three-class model likely represents the best clinical implications. In this model, the classes were labeled: "complex depression" (CD) (58% of the sample), "recurrent depression" (RD) (34%), and "single depression episode" (SD) (8%). Members of CD showed a higher probability of history of suicide attempts, interpersonal, and social dysfunction. Psychiatric comorbidities differentiated the RD from SD. According to a multinomial regression model, childhood trauma experiences, recent stressful life experiences, and intimate partner violence events were associated with the CD class (p < 0.01). Limitations. The vast majority of participants were females from Chile and the sample studied was not random. So, the results may not necessarily represent outpatient clinics. CONCLUSIONS This study can provide additional evidence that depression, specifically in female gender, could be better understood as a complex heterogeneous disorder when clinical and functional indicators are studied. Furthermore, adverse life experiences starting in childhood could lead to a differentiated complex depressive subtype.
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Nardi AE, Karam EG, Carta MG. Fibromyalgia patients should always be screened for post-traumatic stress disorder. Expert Rev Neurother 2020; 20:891-893. [PMID: 32662698 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1794824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio E Nardi
- Institute of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Panic & Respiration, Federal University of Rio De Janeiro , Brazil.,Brazilian Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Medicine , Brazil
| | - Elie G Karam
- Head Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy & Applied Care (IDRAAC), Professor of Psychiatry & Clinical Psychology St. George Hospital University Medical Center University of Balamand , Lebanon.,Chairman of the World Psychiatric Association Epidemiology and Public Health Section , Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Mauro G Carta
- Department of Applied Biomedical Technologies, Università degli Studi di cagliari , Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Sanità Pubblica, Università di Cagliari , Italy
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13
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Cantón-Cortés D, Cortés MR, Cantón J. Child Sexual Abuse and Suicidal Ideation: The Differential Role of Attachment and Emotional Security in the Family System. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17093163. [PMID: 32370114 PMCID: PMC7246433 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17093163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of attachment style and emotional security in the family system on suicidal ideation in a sample of young adult female victims of child sexual abuse (CSA). The possible effects of CSA characteristics and other types of child abuse on suicidal ideation were controlled for. The sample consisted of 188 female college students who had been victims of sexual abuse before the age of 18, as well as 188 randomly selected participants who had not experienced CSA. The results showed that both attachment and emotional security were associated with suicidal ideation, even when controlling for both the characteristics of abuse and the existence of other abuses. The strong relationships of emotional security and attachment style with suicidal ideation suggest the importance of early intervention with children who have been sexually abused and their families, in an effort to optimize their attachment style, as well as to decrease emotional insecurity to prevent the onset of symptomatology related to suicidal ideation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Cantón-Cortés
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - María Rosario Cortés
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (M.R.C.); (J.C.)
| | - José Cantón
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; (M.R.C.); (J.C.)
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Abstract
As the ever-increasing demands of health care evolve in their complexities, so too shall the role of health care providers. In 2016, the International Labour Organization announced that there were approximately 40.3 million victims of human trafficking worldwide, with 4.8 million enslaved in sexual exploitation and 15.4 million in forced marriages (). Human trafficking has rapidly proliferated in recent years and is now considered the second most lucrative criminal activity in the world, with sex trafficking accounting for approximately 80 percent of this industry (UNODC, 2009). Recent data from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (2017) estimates that one out of every seven runaways reported in 2017 was likely a victim of child sex trafficking, with the average age of victimization being fifteen years of age. According to , an estimated 100,000 to 300,000 youths are at risk for sex trafficking annually within the United States alone. Sadly, found that approximately 87 percent of sex trafficking victims had sought care during their captivity, predominantly in emergency departments. This data has been corroborated by several other researchers, prompting proposals for the introduction of human trafficking education among emergency medicine providers. The concept and operational definition of sex trafficking however remains ambiguous and unclear, with some apparent variation among professions. This article is intended to provide clarification on the concept distinctly specific to victims of sex trafficking.
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Stensvehagen MT, Bronken BA, Lien L, Larsson G. How women experience and cope with daily hassles after sexual abuse - a retrospective qualitative study. Scand J Caring Sci 2019; 33:487-497. [PMID: 30628733 DOI: 10.1111/scs.12649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The impact of stress on health can depend on factors such as frequency, heightening of stress during a given period or the presence of one or a few repeated hassles of psychological importance. The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of how adult women experience and cope with daily hassles after sexual abuse. Ten interviews were analysed using the grounded theory method. The theoretical model of 'protecting armor in daily life' emerged. The aftermath of sexual abuse related coping with daily stress can be understood as a three-phase process: (1) avoiding and escaping-coping after experiencing sexual abuse; (2) accepting and disclosing-starting a process of recovery; and (3) reconciling and repossessing-living with the experience in the present. The model contributes to a deeper understanding of the everyday life of women who have experienced sexual abuse. Increased knowledge of coping behaviours that can be used to deal with daily hassles may also serve as a tool for health professionals, other helpers and family to help these women rebuild a good life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lars Lien
- Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway.,University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Gerry Larsson
- Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway.,Swedish Defence University, Karlstad, Sweden
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Hindin P, Btoush R, Carmody DP. History of Childhood Abuse and Risk for Cervical Cancer Among Women in Low-Income Areas. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2018; 28:23-29. [PMID: 30265615 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2018.6926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to examine pathways through which childhood abuse increases the risk of cervical cancer, including smoking, stress, risky sexual behavior, and not having a Papanicolaou (Pap) test. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a descriptive, correlational study. The sample included 410 women, recruited from a large, multisite women's health center that serves low-income communities in New Jersey. Data were analyzed using path models and conditional regression analysis. RESULTS Overall, 15% and 12% of the women in the study reported history of physical and sexual childhood abuse, respectively. There was a significant association between child abuse history and failure to receive a Pap test (χ2 = 5.34, p = 0.021). History of childhood abuse was associated with 44% lower odds of having a Pap test. The findings indicate a significant association between child abuse history and cervical cancer risk (χ2 = 7.65, p = 0.006, Cramer's V = 0.138). History of childhood abuse was associated with 96% higher odds of being at risk of cervical cancer. Both physical and sexual abuses were associated with higher levels of smoking, risky sexual behavior, perceived stress, and cervical cancer risk. In the conditional regression analysis, the effect of risky sexual behavior on the likelihood of cervical cancer risk showed an increased risk with higher risky sexual behavior scores only for those with a history of childhood abuse. CONCLUSION Childhood abuse increases the risk of cervical cancer in adulthood, through failure to receive a Pap test and higher levels of smoking, perceived stress, and most importantly, risky sexual behavior. More importantly, the combination of childhood abuse and risky sexual behavior plays a greater role in increasing cervical cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rula Btoush
- School of Nursing, Rutgers University, Newark, New Jersey
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Lawson KC, Lawson DH. Insights into the Psychology of Trauma Should Inform the Practice of Oncology. Oncologist 2018; 23:750-751. [PMID: 29567819 PMCID: PMC6058322 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2018-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cancer patients and their caretakers have histories of significant trauma, often during childhood. These experiences often affect how they respond to their diagnoses and treatment. This commentary focuses on the need for a better understanding of trauma as related to improved cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn C Lawson
- Department of Psychology, Veterans Administration Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - David H Lawson
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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