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Publication:
Gender-based violence and mental ill-health are associated with alcohol use

Nguyen, K
Meyers, B
Abrahams, N
Jewkes, R
Mhlongo, S
Seedat, S
Lombard, C
Garcia-Moreno, C
Chirwa, E
Kengne, A.P
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Abstract
Background: Few studies examined the associations of multiple abuse exposures including cumulative abuse exposures with alcohol use. Neither have studies examined the intersection of these associations with mental health. This study describes the associations of exposures to abuses in childhood (CA) and adulthood [intimate partner violence (IPV), non-partner sexual violence (NPSV), sexual harassment (SH)], to other trauma events (TE) and mental disorders with alcohol use, and mediating effects of mental disorders on these associations in 16-40-year-old South African women. Methods: Baseline data from the Rape Impact Cohort Evaluation study including histories of exposures to sexual, physical and emotional CA and parental neglect; sexual, physical, emotional and economic IPV, NPSV, SH, other TE, and the presence of mental disorders [depression symptoms (DS), post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), suicidal attempt/ideation] were examined. Current alcohol use (CAU) and binge drinking (consumed ≥6 alcoholic drinks on one occasion in the past 12 months) were self-reported. Logistic regressions adjusted for age, education, employment, residence; multiple mediation models tested mediating effects of DS and PTSS on the associations. Results: Among 1615 women, 52.5% and 23.9% reported CAU and binge-drinking, respectively. CAU rates were higher in women with, compared to women without, exposures to any CA (59% vs. 44%); any IPV (62% vs. 39%); NPSV (33% vs. 22%) and SH (59% vs. 50%, p=0.135). All CA types, IPV types, NPSV, other TE and mental disorders were positively associated with CAU. The highest odds were for any IPV (aOR: 2.58; 95%CI: 2.09-3.20) and physical IPV (2.25; 1.83-2.77). The direct effects of any CA, IPV, NPSV and other TE exposures on CAU were partially mediated by DS (all p-values≤0.045 for indirect effects) and PTSS (all p-values≤0.013 for indirect effects); all p-values≤0.030 for direct effects). The same patterns were significant for the associations with binge-drinking, except for physical and emotional CA, and economic IPV. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for psychological interventions and support services to prevent or reduce alcohol misuse in women exposed to abuse or trauma. Women diagnosed with alcohol misuse should be screened for exposures to abuse and managed appropriately.
Description
Presented at Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) Forum in Cacun, Mexico (SVRI, 19-23 September 2022).
Date
2022-09
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Research Projects
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Keywords
Gender-based violence,Mental health,Alcohol use,Trauma,Adulthood,Childhood
Citation
Nguyen KA, Meyers B, Abrahams N, Jewkes R, Mhlongo S, Seedat S, Lombard C, Garcia-Moreno C, Chirwa E, Kengne AP, Peer N. Abuse and mental disorders with alcohol consumption in South African women. Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) Forum, Cacun, Mexico, 19-23 September 2022.
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