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Current HIV/AIDS Reports
Published in: Current HIV/AIDS Reports 1/2019

01-02-2019 | Human Immunodeficiency Virus | Behavioral Bio-Medical Interface (JL Brown and RJ DiClemente, Section Editors)

Physiological Changes from Violence-Induced Stress and Trauma Enhance HIV Susceptibility Among Women

Authors: Kiyomi Tsuyuki, Andrea N. Cimino, Charvonne N. Holliday, Jacquelyn C. Campbell, Noor A. Al-Alusi, Jamila K. Stockman

Published in: Current HIV/AIDS Reports | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This theoretical review identifies physiological mechanisms by which violence against women (VAW) may increase women’s susceptibility to HIV through trauma, stress, and immune dysfunction.

Recent Findings

Research documents systemic and local immune responses are related to stress and trauma from abuse across the life course (i.e., childhood, IPV, adulthood re-victimization). Findings are interpreted within a theoretical framework grounded in the Social Stress Theory and the concept of toxic stress, and highlight the current state of the science connecting: (1) VAW to the physiological stress response and immune dysfunction, and (2) the physiological stress response and inflammation to HIV susceptibility and infection in the female reproductive tract.

Summary

Despite a dearth of research in human subjects, evidence suggests that VAW plays a significant role in creating a physiological environment conducive to HIV infection. We conclude with a discussion of promising future steps for this line of research.
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Metadata
Title
Physiological Changes from Violence-Induced Stress and Trauma Enhance HIV Susceptibility Among Women
Authors
Kiyomi Tsuyuki
Andrea N. Cimino
Charvonne N. Holliday
Jacquelyn C. Campbell
Noor A. Al-Alusi
Jamila K. Stockman
Publication date
01-02-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current HIV/AIDS Reports / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 1548-3568
Electronic ISSN: 1548-3576
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11904-019-00435-8

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