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Correlates of Lifetime Trauma Exposure Among Pregnant Women from Cape Town, South Africa

Myers, Bronwyn
Jones, Hendrée E.
Doherty, Irene A.
Kline, Tracy L.
Key, Mary E.
Johnson, Kim
Wechsberg, Wendee M.
Abstract
A cross-sectional survey of 298 pregnant women from Cape Town, South Africa was conducted to examine socio-demographic, reproductive health, mental health, and relationship correlates of lifetime trauma exposure and whether these correlates vary as a function of age. Overall, 19.8 % of participants reported trauma exposure. We found similarities and differences in correlates of trauma exposure among women in emerging adulthood and older women. Prior termination of pregnancy was associated with trauma exposure in both age groups. Difficulties in resolving arguments, lifetime substance use, and a prior sexually transmitted infection were associated with trauma exposure among women in emerging adulthood. In contrast, depression and awareness of substance abuse treatment programmes were associated with trauma exposure among older women. These findings highlight the need for interventions that prevent and treat trauma exposure among vulnerable women. Such interventions should be tailored to address the correlates of trauma exposure in each age group.
Description
Date
2015-06
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Projects
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Journal Issue
Keywords
Trauma exposure , Emerging adulthood , Pregnant women , Mental health , South Africa , Traumatic event
Citation
Correlates of Lifetime Trauma Exposure Among Pregnant Women from Cape Town, South Africa 2015, 13 (3):307 International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
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