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Meneses Meneses AY, Fernandez-Gonzalo S, Jodar Vicente M. Clinical Neuropsychological Profile and Quality of Life in Women Who Have Suffered Gender-Based Violence. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2023; 4:448-460. [PMID: 37645587 PMCID: PMC10460961 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2023.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Background This research characterizes the clinical and neuropsychological profiles and the quality of life in a group of Ecuadorian women who suffered physical violence, psychological violence, or sexual violence, exploring their relationships with sociodemographic factors. Methods A battery of tests were used to explore the clinical and neuropsychological functions and quality of life in 120 participants who were selected from a population affected by violence. Results Sixty percent of the participants showed clinical anxiety, 26.7% clinical depression, 40% post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms, 15% moderate personality disorder, and 51.7% a low quality-of-life index. Their Z-scores in the neuropsychological domains evaluated were verbal memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test = -1.35), working memory (Digits = -1.67), attention (D2 = -1.24), processing speed (Coding = -1.33; Trail Making Test A = 1.81), and executive function (Trail Making Test B = -1.15; Stroop = -0.20; verbal-semantic fluency test = 0.05; verbal fluency test = -1.23). Conclusions The majority of women who suffered gender-based violence presented clinical levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic symptoms. The cognitive functions with lower scores (Z < -1.5) were working memory and processing speed, mediated by education factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Yakeline Meneses Meneses
- Arts and Humanities Area, Psychology, Israel Technological University of Ecuador, Ecuador
- Department of Psychology, Health District 17D10, Cayambe - Pedro Moncayo, Ecuador
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sol Fernandez-Gonzalo
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Parc Tauli-I3PT, Sabadell, Spain
- CIBERSAM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercè Jodar Vicente
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Parc Tauli-I3PT, Sabadell, Spain
- CIBERSAM, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Neurology Service, Hospital Universitario Parc Tauli, Sabadell, Spain
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Moschella EA, Quilter C, Potter SJ. Comprehensive policies for victims of sexual assault returning to the campus classroom: Lessons from university sports-related concussion policies. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023; 71:1241-1249. [PMID: 34242541 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1926264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
ObjectiveThe current paper presents a comparison of university policies and health and academic accommodations offered to undergraduate students following sexual assault (SA) and sports-related concussions (SRC). Procedures and protocols for universities to consider adapting from their SRC policies to their SA policies are detailed.Participants: The SRC and SA policies at the 50 United States public flagship universities were analyzed.Methods: The research team coded for a number of policy details including health referrals, academic and financial accommodations, and requirements for follow-up with university personnel.Results: Compared to SA polices, SRC policies at the public flagship universities offer more comprehensive academic accommodations and physical and mental health resources. Conclusions: Comprehensive policies for student SA survivors, like those available for students who suffer SRCs, would improve student health and academic outcomes and increase SA survivors' likelihood of graduating college, thereby reducing individual and societal human capital loses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Moschella
- Prevention Innovations Research Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Cheyenne Quilter
- United States Military Academy at West Point, West Point, New York, USA
| | - Sharyn J Potter
- Prevention Innovations Research Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire, USA
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Carpenter ER. Differential Treatment of Sexual Assault Cases by US Army Law Enforcement Personnel. Violence Against Women 2023; 29:882-900. [PMID: 35971321 DOI: 10.1177/10778012221101915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Using data received through the Freedom of Information Act, this observational study explores whether Army law enforcement personnel do not find probable cause in sexual assault cases at higher rates than in other serious crimes. The study compares sexual assaults, homicides, robberies, and assaults in the Army from 2008 to 2014 and July 2015 to 2017. For the first period, the study finds that the odds are 5.30 times greater that Army law enforcement will not find probable cause in a sexual assault case when compared to other crimes, and for the second period the odds are 4.39 times greater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric R Carpenter
- FIU College of Law, 5450Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
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Brinkers M, Voigt A, Pfau G. Sexueller Missbrauch bei Patientinnen mit chronischer Schmerzsymptomatik. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2022. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1676-8537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
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Short NA, Lechner M, McLean BS, Tungate A, Black J, Buchanan J, Reese R, Ho J, Reed G, Platt M, Riviello R, Rossi C, Nouhan P, Phillips C, Martin SL, Liberzon I, Rauch SA, Bollen K, Kessler RC, McLean SA. Health care utilization by women sexual assault survivors after emergency care: Results of a multisite prospective study. Depress Anxiety 2021; 38:67-78. [PMID: 33032388 PMCID: PMC7785610 DOI: 10.1002/da.23102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately, 100,000 US women receive emergency care after sexual assault each year, but no large-scale study has examined the incidence of posttraumatic sequelae, receipt of health care, and frequency of assault disclosure to providers. The current study evaluated health outcomes and service utilization among women in the 6 weeks after sexual assault. METHODS Women ≥18 years of age presenting for emergency care after sexual assault to twelve sites were approached. Among those willing to be contacted for the study (n = 1080), 706 were enrolled. Health outcomes, health care utilization, and assault disclosure were assessed via 6 week survey. RESULTS Three quarters (76%) of women had posttraumatic stress, depression, or anxiety, and 65% had pain. Less than two in five reported seeing health care provider; receipt of care was not related to substantive differences in symptoms and was less likely among Hispanic women and women with a high school education or less. Nearly one in four who saw a primary care provider did not disclose their assault, often due to shame, embarrassment, or fear of being judged. CONCLUSION Most women receiving emergency care after sexual assault experience substantial posttraumatic sequelae, but health care in the 6 weeks after assault is uncommon, unrelated to substantive differences in need, and limited in socially disadvantaged groups. Lack of disclosure to primary care providers was common among women who did receive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A. Short
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | - Benjamin S. McLean
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Andrew Tungate
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Sandra L. Martin
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | | | - Kenneth Bollen
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | - Samuel A. McLean
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC
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Austin AE, Short NA. Sexual Violence, Mental Health, and Prescription Opioid Use and Misuse. Am J Prev Med 2020; 59:818-827. [PMID: 33220753 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2020.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous research indicates that sexual violence is associated with prescription opioid use and misuse. However, this literature is limited by a lack of sex-specific analyses, an inability to establish temporality between experiences of sexual violence and prescription opioid outcomes, and little understanding of mechanisms underlying these associations. METHODS Data from Waves IV (2008) and V (2016-2018) of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (N=10,685) were analyzed in March 2020. The association of sexual violence with past 30-day prescription opioid use and misuse among women and men and mediation by depression and anxiety diagnoses were examined using generalized structural equation modeling. Temporality was established using self-reported age at the first experience of sexual violence and age at first depression and anxiety diagnoses. RESULTS Sexual violence was associated with an increased likelihood of prescription opioid use and misuse among women (OR=1.68, 95% CI=1.19, 2.39 for use; OR=1.18, 95% CI=0.95, 1.55 for misuse) and men (OR=2.37, 95% CI=1.37, 4.12 for use; OR=1.71, 95% CI=1.06, 2.75 for misuse). Among women, depression (p=0.0420) and anxiety (p=0.0450) diagnoses mediated the association with prescription opioid use, and anxiety diagnosis (p=0.0210) mediated the association with prescription opioid misuse. Among men, anxiety diagnosis (p=0.038) mediated the association with prescription opioid use, and depression diagnosis (p=0.0390) mediated the association with prescription opioid misuse. CONCLUSIONS Secondary prevention efforts focused on evidence-based, trauma-informed behavioral health treatment among survivors of sexual violence may prevent prescription opioid use and misuse as strategies for coping with the psychological impact of these traumatic experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Austin
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - Nicole A Short
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Campbell R, Goodman-Williams R, Javorka M. A Trauma-Informed Approach to Sexual Violence Research Ethics and Open Science. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2019; 34:4765-4793. [PMID: 31514606 DOI: 10.1177/0886260519871530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The practice of ethics in social science research is a reflexive process of self-review to define a profession's collective responsibility in the face of changing norms and expectations. In recent years, we have seen transformative changes in how society thinks about supporting sexual assault survivors, and how the scientific community thinks about our obligations to society. Decades of research on trauma and its impact has raised awareness about the needs of victimized individuals, giving rise to the trauma-informed practice movement, which emphasizes that service providers must center survivors' well-being in all interactions, decisions, and program practices. The field of sexual assault research helped give rise to this movement and provides empirical support for its guiding tenets, and in this article, we explore how to bring these ideas full circle to begin articulating trauma-informed principles for research. A trauma-informed perspective on research challenges scientists to go beyond the requirements of the Belmont Report (1979) and institutional review boards' (IRB) regulations to develop research procedures that fully support survivors' choice, control, and empowerment. Such reflection on participants' rights is particularly important given the open science movement sweeping academia, which calls on scientists to share their data publicly to promote transparency, replication, and new discoveries. Disseminating data could pose significant safety, privacy, and confidentiality risks for victims of sexual assault, so we need to evaluate what open science means within a trauma-informed framework. In this article, we examine three key stages of the research process-participant recruitment, data collection, and dissemination-and consider how trauma-informed principles could help, but also could complicate, research practices. We explore these tensions and offer potential solutions so that research on sexual trauma embodies trauma-informed practice.
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McCauley HL, Campbell R, Buchanan NT, Moylan CA. Advancing Theory, Methods, and Dissemination in Sexual Violence Research to Build a More Equitable Future: An Intersectional, Community-Engaged Approach. Violence Against Women 2019; 25:1906-1931. [PMID: 31530103 DOI: 10.1177/1077801219875823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Sexual violence is a devastating trauma with long-lasting effects on survivors' health and well-being. Despite the substantial impacts of the last 25 years of research, the prevalence of sexual violence has remained stable. It will be necessary to reconceptualize our work, challenging our theories, methods, and strategies for dissemination and implementation moving forward. We outline an intersectional, community-engaged approach for sexual violence research to center the stories of survivors who face systemic oppression and inequity. Finally, we suggest applications of this approach for justice, healing, and prevention to inform our collective work to end sexual violence.
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