Childhood sexual trauma and opioid use among older adults living with HIV

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) has been linked to substance use and substance use disorders in adulthood. However, there have been limited studies examining the relationship between CSA and opioid use among older adults living with HIV (OALH). Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the association between CSA and opioid use among OALH (<i>n</i> = 91). Data were obtained from an HIV clinic population in South Carolina using paper-and-pen, and online questionnaires. CSA was operationalized using six questions from the Early Trauma Inventory-Self Report Form (Yes vs. No). Opioid use was self-report of the use of opioids including: heroin, fentanyl, Oxycontin, Vicodin, codeine, morphine (used vs. never used). Nested crude and multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for sociodemographic confounders were used to determine the association between CSA and opioid use. After adjusting for race, gender, age, and education, OALH who were CSA survivors were 21 times more likely to currently use opioids compared to OALH who were not exposed to CSA (adjusted OR: 21.1; 95% CI: 1.78-250.0). The association seen between CSA history and opioid use may be due to unresolved trauma among OALH. Trauma-informed interventions addressing CSA may help to reduce opioid use among OALH.