Sexual Abuse in Childhood and Physical and Mental Health in Adulthood: An Australian Population Study

Although childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is associated with a wide range of health problems later in life, there is also evidence of substantial individual differences. This study describes the mental and physical health of a population sample of Australians, randomly selected from the Commonwealth electoral roll, who have reported their CSA histories. Some 58% of those located from the electoral roll agreed to a telephone interview (n = 1,784). Health status was measured using the Short Form 36 questionnaire. Men who had experienced non-penetrative and penetrative sexual abuse in childhood had 2.25 (95% CI = 1.32-3.82) and 5.93 (95% CI = 2.72-12.95) times respectively the rate of impaired mental health, but no higher rates of impaired physical health. Women who had experienced non-penetrative and penetrative sexual abuse in childhood had 1.87 (95% CI = 1.19-2.95) and 3.15 (95% CI = 1.87-5.33) times respectively the rate of impaired mental health and 1.87 (95% CI = 1.19-2.92) and 2.31 (95% CI = 1.34-3.97) times respectively the rate of impaired physical health. However, participants who had experienced CSA were no less likely than those who had not experienced CSA to be in optimum physical and mental health. None of the possible confounding or moderating variables tested appeared to mitigate the impact of CSA on health outcomes. Those with the highest levels of mental and physical health appear to be unaffected by the experience of CSA