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Turk Psikiyatri Dergisi = Turkish... 2024In this study, it was aimed to examine the impacts of exposure to childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on women's sexual function and sexual distress. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
In this study, it was aimed to examine the impacts of exposure to childhood sexual abuse (CSA) on women's sexual function and sexual distress.
METHOD
In this systematic review and meta-analysis study, eight international (EBSCO, Psyc-Info, Proquest, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Ovid, Web of Science) and two national electronic databases (Dergipark and Thesis Database of the Turkish Council of Higher Education) were searched. Studies reporting outcomes of sexual function and sexual distress in women with and without a history of CSA were included. The data were synthesized by meta-analysis and narrative methods.
RESULTS
Two dissertations and five research articles published between 2010 and 2021 were included in the study. In some studies that were not included in the meta-analysis, it was reported that there was no difference in the prevalence of sexual dysfunction, and sexual satisfaction in women with and without a history of CSA. Meta-analysis results demonstrated lower sexual function (sexual arousal, MD: -0.83, p<0.001; sexual desire, MD: -0.55, p<0.001; lubrication, MD: -0.78, p<0.01; pain, MD: -0.52, p<0.001) and more sexual distress (SMD: -0.79, p<0.05) in women with CSA history.
CONCLUSION
This study showed that CSA negatively affects female sexual function and increases sexual distress. Healthcare professionals should be aware that women with a CSA history may have worse sexual functions and more sexual distress. More research is needed on the role of CSA in the etiology of sexual function problems and its possible mechanisms of action.
Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Child; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Sexual Behavior; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Orgasm; Sex Offenses; Child Abuse, Sexual
PubMed: 38556938
DOI: 10.5080/u26991 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Mar 2024Intimate partner homicides (IPH) are serious offenses by a heterogeneous group of offenders with diverse risk factors that are too unspecific for the successful... (Review)
Review
Intimate partner homicides (IPH) are serious offenses by a heterogeneous group of offenders with diverse risk factors that are too unspecific for the successful prediction of an offense. Recent research suggested several warning signs that may precede IPH and enhance its prevention, but little is still known about "leaking." Leaking comprises all offense-related statements, behaviors, or actions that express the perpetrator's thoughts, fantasies, ideas, interests, feelings, intentions, plans, or positive evaluations of an own violent act or previous similar offenses prior to the own attack. This review aims to identify the forms, recipients, and media of leaking as well as potential subgroup differences in cases of IPH. We identified 47 relevant publications via a systematic search of eight databases and additional methods. We included publications that did not explicitly use the term, but described behaviors that could be interpreted as leaking. Up to now, leaking has not been systematically researched in cases of IPH. Nevertheless, publications described several behaviors that are in line with our definition of leaking and were categorized into five broader categories: (a) homicide announcements, (b) previous severe acts of violence, (c) suicidal behavior, (d) planning activities, and (e) interest in similar offenses/offenders. Information on recipients and media as well as subgroup differences was sparse. Leaking is relevant in IPH, but more systematic research is needed to understand its potential role in future risk analyses procedures and prevention of IPH.
PubMed: 38551126
DOI: 10.1177/15248380241237213 -
Drug and Alcohol Review May 2024Although maternal substance use is a known risk factor for child maltreatment, evidence on the scale of substance use is needed to inform prevention responses. This... (Review)
Review
ISSUES
Although maternal substance use is a known risk factor for child maltreatment, evidence on the scale of substance use is needed to inform prevention responses. This systematic review synthesised prevalence estimates of maternal substance use during pregnancy and early life among children at risk of maltreatment. Ovid, Pubmed, CINAHL, PsychInfo and ProQuest databases were searched. We included observational studies that sampled children at risk of maltreatment in high-income countries and reported information on maternal substance use during pregnancy and/or the child's first year of life. We extracted study characteristics and data to calculate prevalence, assessed risk of bias and conducted a narrative synthesis; there were insufficient comparable populations or outcomes to quantitatively synthesise results.
KEY FINDINGS
Thirty five of 14,084 titles were included. Fifteen studies had adequately sized and representative samples to estimate prevalence. Maternal substance use prevalence ranged from 2.4% to 40.6%. Maternal substance use was highest among infants referred to child protection at birth (40.6%) and children in out-of-home care (10.4% to 37.2%). Prevalence was higher when studies defined substance use more broadly and when maternal substance use was ascertained from both child and mother records.
IMPLICATIONS
Supportive, coordinated responses to maternal substance use are needed from health and child protection services, spanning alcohol and other drug treatment, antenatal and postnatal care.
CONCLUSIONS
Prenatal and early life maternal substance use is common among child maltreatment populations, particularly among younger children and those with more serious maltreatment.
Topics: Humans; Pregnancy; Female; Substance-Related Disorders; Child Abuse; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Risk Factors; Child; Infant; Prevalence; Mothers
PubMed: 38548385
DOI: 10.1111/dar.13835 -
International Journal of Environmental... Mar 2024Child sexual abuse is a form of violence that occurs across nations and cultures. Collective efforts are being made to address this issue within many Indigenous...
Child sexual abuse is a form of violence that occurs across nations and cultures. Collective efforts are being made to address this issue within many Indigenous communities. In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have expressed the need for cultural models of healing child sexual abuse. A preliminary exploration of the relevant literature shows a lack of synthesis with regard to the current evidence base. This protocol outlines the methods and background for a scoping review that aims to explore and collate the broad scope of literature related to healing from child sexual abuse within an Indigenous context. The proposed review utilises a 'population, concept, and context structure' from the Joanna Briggs Institute to explore the broad scope of the literature within a scoping review framework. The target population is Indigenous survivors of child sexual abuse, including Indigenous populations from six distinct regions: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from Australia; Māori peoples from Aotearoa (New Zealand); First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples from Canada; Native American peoples from North America; Native peoples from Alaska; and the Sámi peoples of the Sápmi region in Northern Europe. The concept within the review is healing from an Indigenous perspective, which includes a broad range of processes related to both recovery and personal growth. The contexts explored within this review are any context in which healing from child sexual abuse can occur. This may include processes related to disclosure and accessing services, specific interventions or programs for survivors of child sexual abuse, as well as broader non-specific healing programs and personal experiences of healing without intervention. The scoping review will use search strings with broad inclusion and exclusion criteria to capture the potential breadth of perspectives. The search will be conducted across several academic databases and will also include an extensive search for grey literature. This protocol establishes the proposed benefits of this scoping review.
Topics: Child; Humans; Canada; Child Abuse, Sexual; Health Services, Indigenous; Indigenous Peoples; Maori People; North America; Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples; Indigenous Canadians; American Indian or Alaska Native
PubMed: 38541310
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21030311 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Mar 2024Research has shown that complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) differs from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on core symptoms relating to the individual's... (Review)
Review
Research has shown that complex post-traumatic stress disorder (cPTSD) differs from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on core symptoms relating to the individual's sense of self, and this has driven the need for treatment approaches to address these specific features of cPTSD. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the increased use of digital-based interventions (DBIs) to treat mental illnesses, including trauma-related disorders. However, while evidence for the use of DBIs for PTSD has previously been synthesized, the current review is the first synthesis of research on the use of DBIs for cPTSD. A systematic search of Scopus, PsychINFO, and EBSCOhost was conducted, using search terms targeting "cPTSD" and "DBIs," to identify research on the use of DBIs to treat cPTSD symptoms. Ten papers were identified, which provided preliminary evidence for the efficacy of DBIs to reduce cPTSD symptoms. Further, DBIs were reported as acceptable by individuals with a history of complex trauma. The paper also provides insight into the therapeutic approaches adopted, digital modalities utilized, safety measures included, and whether/to what degree support was provided. While DBIs show promise for treating cPTSD, there is substantial room for advancement of the empirical evidence base for these approaches. Both clinical and research-based recommendations are provided separately.
PubMed: 38533796
DOI: 10.1177/15248380241238760 -
Child Abuse & Neglect May 2024Exposure to violence has severe and lasting effects on development. Despite the body of research examining childhood exposures to violence and victimization,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Exposure to violence has severe and lasting effects on development. Despite the body of research examining childhood exposures to violence and victimization, developmental outcomes during early adolescence are poorly understood.
OBJECTIVE
To synthesize existing research on the effects of violence exposure on early adolescent development (youth 9-14 years old) and highlight areas for future research.
METHOD
We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE for articles published between 2012 and 2023. Included articles focused on violence exposure related to experiencing or observing community violence, witnessing domestic violence and/or being the victim of chronic physical abuse.
RESULTS
Twenty-eight articles spanning four developmental domains were included: behavioral, biological, neurological, and social development. Behaviorally, violence exposure posed significant effects on both internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Biologically, violence exposure was strongly associated with advanced epigenetic age, accelerated puberty, and insomnia. Neurologically, violence exposure had significant associations with both structural and functional differences in the developing brain. Socially, violence exposure was related to poor school engagement, peer aggression, and low social support.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review highlights varying effects of violence exposure on early adolescent development. The gaps presented should be addressed and implemented into clinical practice via evidence-based policies and procedures to ensure successful transition to adulthood.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Child; Adolescent Development; Domestic Violence; Aggression; Crime Victims; Exposure to Violence
PubMed: 38531246
DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106751 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2024There is a limited literature base regarding the intersection of drug and alcohol treatment, violence, and trauma. While research substantiates that exposure to violence...
INTRODUCTION
There is a limited literature base regarding the intersection of drug and alcohol treatment, violence, and trauma. While research substantiates that exposure to violence and trauma impacts the propensity to misuse substances, the conceptualization in clinical trials and practice has largely been narrow and gendered, referring only to intimate partner or domestic violence. Our systematic mapping review explored a more inclusive and expansive review of survivors of and perpetrators of violence and trauma (e.g., intimate partner violence, sexual assault, stalking, child abuse, political and community violence, criminal violence, micro violence, structural violence, and oppression) to establish: 1) the types of treatment settings included in intervention studies, 2) the common indicators of success or common outcomes recorded, and 3) understanding who is seeking treatment for drug and alcohol use with histories of violence.
METHODS
A systematic mapping review was conducted to identify any peer-reviewed articles published from 2011 to 2022. The Web of Science database was searched using a broad set of Boolean search terms related to violence, substance use disorders, and treatment. Over 8,800 records were identified from the systematic review with a total of 48 articles meeting inclusion criteria.
RESULTS
Most studies in this review included populations reporting perpetration of violence (n=23, 48%) versus participants reporting survival of trauma/violence (n=17, 35%). Results also indicated female identifying populations (n=19; 40%) were predominantly served, were treated in the US (n=33; 69%) and seen in an outpatient setting (n=24; 50%). Authors also were attentive to studies that included sexual and gender minorities and discovered only three studies (6%) explicitly acknowledging inclusion of transgender participants or participants in relationship with partners of the same sex; three more studies (6%) were focused on participants with histories of or engaging in sex work.
DISCUSSION
This review outlines treatment and research implications directly situated in the gap of service delivery found in this review. Specifically, the results elucidate the impact on minoritized and excluded identities based on gender, sexual preference, criminal legal status and directions for research and treatment to increase inclusion, representation, and equity across research and treatment settings.
PubMed: 38505794
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1307641 -
JAMA Mar 2024Child maltreatment is associated with serious negative physical, psychological, and behavioral consequences. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Child maltreatment is associated with serious negative physical, psychological, and behavioral consequences.
OBJECTIVE
To review the evidence on primary care-feasible or referable interventions to prevent child maltreatment to inform the US Preventive Services Task Force.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, Cochrane Library, and trial registries through February 2, 2023; references, experts, and surveillance through December 6, 2023.
STUDY SELECTION
English-language, randomized clinical trials of youth through age 18 years (or their caregivers) with no known exposure or signs or symptoms of current or past maltreatment.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Two reviewers assessed titles/abstracts, full-text articles, and study quality, and extracted data; when at least 3 similar studies were available, meta-analyses were conducted.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Directly measured reports of child abuse or neglect (reports to Child Protective Services or removal of the child from the home); proxy measures of abuse or neglect (injury, visits to the emergency department, hospitalization); behavioral, developmental, emotional, mental, or physical health and well-being; mortality; harms.
RESULTS
Twenty-five trials (N = 14 355 participants) were included; 23 included home visits. Evidence from 11 studies (5311 participants) indicated no differences in likelihood of reports to Child Protective Services within 1 year of intervention completion (pooled odds ratio, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.84-1.27]). Five studies (3336 participants) found no differences in removal of the child from the home within 1 to 3 years of follow-up (pooled risk ratio, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.37-2.99]). The evidence suggested no benefit for emergency department visits in the short term (<2 years) and hospitalizations. The evidence was inconclusive for all other outcomes because of the limited number of trials on each outcome and imprecise results. Among 2 trials reporting harms, neither reported statistically significant differences. Contextual evidence indicated (1) widely varying practices when screening, identifying, and reporting child maltreatment to Child Protective Services, including variations by race or ethnicity; (2) widely varying accuracy of screening instruments; and (3) evidence that child maltreatment interventions may be associated with improvements in some social determinants of health.
CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE
The evidence base on interventions feasible in or referable from primary care settings to prevent child maltreatment suggested no benefit or insufficient evidence for direct or proxy measures of child maltreatment. Little information was available about possible harms. Contextual evidence pointed to the potential for bias or inaccuracy in screening, identification, and reporting of child maltreatment but also highlighted the importance of addressing social determinants when intervening to prevent child maltreatment.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Advance Directives; Advisory Committees; Child Abuse; Emergency Service, Hospital; Primary Health Care; United States; Social Determinants of Health; Child Protective Services
PubMed: 38502070
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.0276 -
JAMA Mar 2024Child maltreatment, which includes child abuse and neglect, can have profound effects on health, development, survival, and well-being throughout childhood and...
IMPORTANCE
Child maltreatment, which includes child abuse and neglect, can have profound effects on health, development, survival, and well-being throughout childhood and adulthood. The prevalence of child maltreatment in the US is uncertain and likely underestimated. In 2021, an estimated 600 000 children were identified by Child Protective Services as experiencing abuse or neglect and an estimated 1820 children died of abuse and neglect.
OBJECTIVE
The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) commissioned a systematic review to evaluate benefits and harms of primary care-feasible or referable behavioral counseling interventions to prevent child maltreatment in children and adolescents younger than 18 years without signs or symptoms of maltreatment.
POPULATION
Children and adolescents younger than 18 years who do not have signs or symptoms of or known exposure to maltreatment.
EVIDENCE ASSESSMENT
The USPSTF concludes that the evidence is insufficient to determine the balance of benefits and harms of primary care interventions to prevent child maltreatment in children and adolescents younger than 18 years without signs or symptoms of or known exposure to maltreatment.
RECOMMENDATION
The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of primary care interventions to prevent child maltreatment. (I statement).
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Humans; Advisory Committees; Behavior Therapy; Child Abuse; Child Protective Services; Primary Health Care; Referral and Consultation; Risk Assessment; United States
PubMed: 38502069
DOI: 10.1001/jama.2024.1869 -
Child Abuse & Neglect May 2024Geographical variation exists in violence experienced by children and young people; however, there is limited research applying geospatial techniques to study this... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Geographical variation exists in violence experienced by children and young people; however, there is limited research applying geospatial techniques to study this variation, and the methodological quality of this body of work is unclear.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to review the application of geospatial analysis in research on violence against children (VAC) and evaluate how essential methodological aspects are reported.
METHODS
Twelve databases were searched for studies on VAC using geospatial techniques. Two independent reviewers screened the papers for eligibility. Findings were narratively synthesised.
RESULTS
Sixty studies were included. Six studies estimated the prevalence of VAC and 54 investigated the associations between VAC and covariates. Most studies were conducted in the US (68 %), and the broad definition of 'child maltreatment' (53 %) was the most common form of violence explored. Most studies (83 %) used administrative data, whereas 23 % used an ecological study design to estimate the associations between risk factors and official reports of VAC. Frequentist modelling approaches were used in 54 % of the studies, and 47 % investigated VAC at census tract level. Model fit metrics were reported in 69 % of studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Current knowledge of the geographical distribution of VAC is severely limited because of the reliance on administrative data, which vastly underestimates the prevalence of VAC compared with self-reports and poor reporting of quality characteristics. There is a huge opportunity for applying geospatial methods in VAC research in diverse geographic contexts. Future research must adopt rigorous and standardised approaches to model fitting and validation and make better use of self-reported data.
Topics: Child; Humans; Adolescent; Violence; Child Abuse; Risk Factors; Prevalence
PubMed: 38461708
DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106730