# Varying Forms of Childhood Sexual Abuse and Late-Life Depression Among Older Adults Living with HIV

## TL;DR

This study explores how different types of childhood sexual abuse are linked to depression in older adults living with HIV.

## Contribution

The study is among the first to examine the specific forms of CSA associated with late-life depression in older adults with HIV.

## Key findings

- All forms of CSA were linked to self-reported depression in older adults with HIV.
- Genital rubbing and overall CSA were specifically associated with depressive symptoms measured by the PHQ-9.

## Abstract

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has been linked to depression in adulthood. However, studies examining the potential link between CSA and depression in older adulthood are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the association between CSA and late-life depression among older adults living with HIV (OALH) using two measures of depression. Data were obtained from OALH attending an immunology clinic in South Carolina (n = 91). Multivariable logistic and multiple linear regression models were used to determine the associations between varying forms of CSA and late-life depression. All forms of CSA were associated with self-report depression (for e.g., adjusted OR for being touched intimately: 5.46; 95% CI: 1.66-18.0) while only overall CSA (adjusted B: 3.32; 95% CI: 0.36, 6.29 and experiencing genital rubbing (adjusted B for experiencing genital rubbing: 3.88; 95% CI: 1.02, 6.74) were associated with Patient Health Questionnaire-9 depressive symptoms. Trauma-informed interventions addressing specific types of CSA may help to reduce depression among OALH.