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A Qualitative Study of the Impact of HIV on Intimacy and Sexuality Among Older Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors Living with HIV

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Abstract

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a traumatic event known to influence health outcomes, and the rate of CSA among people living with HIV is more than twice that of the general population. Individuals living with HIV with a history of CSA may find establishing intimacy and sexual relations more challenging due to the dual adverse impact of HIV and CSA. This study aimed to explore the effects of HIV on intimacy and sexuality among older CSA survivors living with HIV. We collected data from 24 older adults living with HIV (OALH) aged 50 and older with a history of CSA in South Carolina via in-depth, semi-structured, one-on-one interviews. We used a thematic analysis approach comprising discussion of initial thoughts and key concepts, identifying and reconciling codes, and naming emergent themes for analysis. Five themes emerged: rejection, avoidance, vulnerability, relationship with a partner living with HIV, and no or low sexual intimacy. Study participants reported that they desired to establish intimate relationships; however, living with HIV impacted their ability to do so, affecting their overall health and quality of life. Our findings suggest that addressing the intimacy and sexuality of older CSA survivors living with HIV is warranted in their continuum of care to improve their health outcomes and overall quality of life.

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Data Availability

The data that support the findings of this study are available from Dr. Monique Brown (brownm68@mailbox.sc.edu) upon reasonable request.

Code Availability

The codes that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Funding

MJB is supported by the National Institute of Mental Health under Award Number K01MH115794.

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Correspondence to Titilayo James.

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James, T., Nkwonta, C., Kaur, A. et al. A Qualitative Study of the Impact of HIV on Intimacy and Sexuality Among Older Childhood Sexual Abuse Survivors Living with HIV. Arch Sex Behav 51, 2465–2472 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-021-02277-1

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