Abstract
PurposeWomen living with HIV experience high levels of trauma exposure before and after diagnosis. One of the most challenging outcomes following trauma exposure is posttraumatic stress disorder. Despite high exposure to traumatic events, the presence and contributors to posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms have not been examined in women living with HIV in Canada.MethodsThe current study examines the presence of, contributors to, and geographical regions associated with self-reported posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) among 1405 women enrolled in the Canadian HIV Women’s Sexual & Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS).ResultsSeparate linear regression models were run for the three provinces in the cohort: British Columbia, Ontario and Québec. Scores consistent with posttraumatic stress disorder were reported by 55.9%, 39.1% and 54.1% of the participants in each province, respectively (F(2, 1402) = 13.53, p < .001).ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that women living with HIV have high rates of PTSS, and that rates and variables associated with these symptoms vary by province. These results suggest the need for trauma-informed practices and care for women living with HIV in Canada, which may need to be tailored for the community and identities of the women.
Highlights
Women account for approximately 25% of new cases of HIV in Canada [1]
Women living with HIV are twice as likely than men living with HIV to develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [3, 4], which has been attributed to women being more likely to experience gender-based stigma and violence, social exclusion, and traumatic life events [5]
Multiple authors attribute the development of PTSD among women living with HIV to traumatic events and circumstances that simultaneously contribute to their increased likelihood of acquiring HIV infection [6]
Summary
Women account for approximately 25% of new cases of HIV in Canada [1]. Many women living with HIV have significant trauma exposure histories prior to, at the time of, and following diagnosis, and are more likely to encounter traumatic stressors than women in the general population [2]. Multiple authors attribute the development of PTSD among women living with HIV to traumatic events and circumstances that simultaneously contribute to their increased likelihood of acquiring HIV infection [6]. Exposure to abuse in childhood and adulthood can contribute to women’s subsequent participation in sexual and drug use behaviors that increases their risk for HIV acquisition [6]. Structural barriers, such as living in poverty, have been posited as key contributors to increased exposure to traumatic stressors including domestic violence, crime, and other forms of assault and violence [7]
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