Traumatic Experiences: Harbinger of Risk Behavior Among HIV-Positive Adults

SUMMARY

Far more than in the general population, people living with HIV tend to report experiencing traumatic life events, particularly those that are violent and abusive. The majority of AIDS cases in the United States and globally result from either unprotected sexual intercourse or the use of contaminated injection drug needles. This study examined the relationship between trauma history, trauma-related symptoms, and sexual risk behavior. The sample included 64 men and women living with HIV/AIDS. An examination of trauma symptoms and sexual risk behavior indicated that moderate to severe trauma symptoms were significantly correlated with unprotected sexual intercourse during the past three months. Moreover, reliving the traumatic event (i.e., experiencing flashbacks, having nightmares) was significantly and positively associated with having more partners in the past 3 months. Greater symptoms of intrusion and avoidance were associated with unprotected sex. After controlling for demographic factors, multiple regression analysis indicated that greater severity of sexual coercion, greater intrusion symptoms, and less avoidant symptoms were positively associated with greater sexual risk behavior. Thus, reducing trauma symptoms among adults with moderate to severe symptoms may be a particularly effective HIV-prevention intervention for adults living with HIV/AIDS.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV
• trauma
• risk behavior
• stress