The Relationship between Childhood Maltreatment and Risky Sexual Behaviors: A Meta-Analysis

Zi-Yu Wang, Ming Hu, Tao-Lin Yu and Jun Yang
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Zi-Yu Wang: Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
Ming Hu: Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
Tao-Lin Yu: Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China
Jun Yang: Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, XiangYa School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 19, 1-17

Abstract: Childhood maltreatment is associated with risky sexual behaviors (RSBs). Previous systematic reviews and meta-analysis focused only on the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and RSBs, thus the association between childhood maltreatment and RSBs has yet to be systematically and quantitatively reviewed. We aimed to provide a systematic meta-analysis exploring the effect of childhood maltreatment and its subtypes on subsequent RSBs in adolescence and adulthood. PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Medline were searched for qualified articles up to April 2019. We calculated the pooled risk estimates using either the random-effect model or fixed-effect model. The potential heterogeneity moderators were identified by subgroup and sensitivity analysis. Overall, childhood maltreatment was significantly associated with an early sexual debut (odds ratio (OR) = 2.22; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.64–3.00), multiple sexual partners (OR = 2.22; 95% CI: 1.78–2.76), transactional sex (OR = 3.05; 95% CI: 1.92–4.86) and unprotected sex (OR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.22-2.09). Additionally, different types of childhood maltreatment were also significantly associated with higher risk of RSBs. Relevant heterogeneity moderators have been identified by subgroup analysis. Sensitivity analysis yielded consistent results. Childhood maltreatment is significantly associated with risky sexual behaviors. The current meta-analysis indicates it is vital to protect children from any types of maltreatment and provide health education and support for maltreated individuals.

Keywords: childhood maltreatment; risky sexual behaviors; meta-analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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