Abstract
BackgroundHigh rates of childhood maltreatment have been documented in HIV-positive men and women. In addition, mental disorders are highly prevalent in both HIV-infected individuals and victims of childhood maltreatment. However, there is a paucity of research investigating the mental health outcomes associated with childhood maltreatment in the context of HIV infection. The present systematic review assessed mental health outcomes in HIV-positive individuals who were victims of childhood maltreatment.MethodsA systematic search of all retrospective, prospective, or clinical trial studies assessing mental health outcomes associated with HIV and childhood maltreatment. The following online databases were searched on 25–31 August 2010: PubMed, Social Science Citation Index, and the Cochrane Library (the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the Cochrane Developmental, Psychosocial and Learning Problems, HIV/AIDS, and Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis registers).ResultsWe identified 34 studies suitable for inclusion. A total of 14,935 participants were included in these studies. A variety of mixed mental health outcomes were reported. The most commonly reported psychiatric disorders among HIV-positive individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment included: substance abuse, major depressive disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. An association between childhood maltreatment and poor adherence to antiretroviral regimens was also reported in some studies.ConclusionA broad range of adult psychopathology has been reported in studies of HIV-infected individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment. However, a direct causal link cannot be well established. Longer term assessment will better delineate the nature, severity, and temporal relationship of childhood maltreatment to mental health outcomes.
Highlights
High rates of childhood maltreatment have been documented in HIV-positive men and women
Two articles sourced reported on global psychological distress and mental health in general, without delineating whether symptoms were depressive in nature or anxiety related, for example [26,27]
Some studies stated the percentage of HIV-positive maltreatment victims reporting symptoms of anxiety
Summary
High rates of childhood maltreatment have been documented in HIV-positive men and women. The present systematic review assessed mental health outcomes in HIV-positive individuals who were victims of childhood maltreatment. Abuse is a common phenomenon in countries where the prevalence rate of HIV is high and can include physical, sexual and emotional violence and deprivation or neglect [1]. Studies conducted in developing countries such as South Africa and other African countries have reported high rates of abuse in both adults and children. This includes intimate partner violence (IPV), rape, and childhood abuse or maltreatment [1,2,3]. For the present review, childhood maltreatment included emotional, physical, and sexual abuse and emotional and physical neglect. Women are more vulnerable and regarded as at risk for abuse, men are victims of rape and childhood maltreatment
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