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International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

Published in:

01-06-2015

Correlates of Lifetime Trauma Exposure Among Pregnant Women from Cape Town, South Africa

Authors: Bronwyn Myers, Hendrée E. Jones, Irene A. Doherty, Tracy L. Kline, Mary E. Key, Kim Johnson, Wendee M. Wechsberg

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction | Issue 3/2015

Abstract

A cross-sectional survey of 298 pregnant women from Cape Town, South Africa was conducted to examine socio-demographic, reproductive health, mental health, and relationship correlates of lifetime trauma exposure and whether these correlates vary as a function of age. Overall, 19.8 % of participants reported trauma exposure. We found similarities and differences in correlates of trauma exposure among women in emerging adulthood and older women. Prior termination of pregnancy was associated with trauma exposure in both age groups. Difficulties in resolving arguments, lifetime substance use, and a prior sexually transmitted infection were associated with trauma exposure among women in emerging adulthood. In contrast, depression and awareness of substance abuse treatment programmes were associated with trauma exposure among older women. These findings highlight the need for interventions that prevent and treat trauma exposure among vulnerable women. Such interventions should be tailored to address the correlates of trauma exposure in each age group.

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Title: Correlates of Lifetime Trauma Exposure Among Pregnant Women from Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Bronwyn Myers
Hendrée E. Jones
Irene A. Doherty
Tracy L. Kline
Mary E. Key
Kim Johnson
Wendee M. Wechsberg
Publication date: 01-06-2015
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction / Issue 3/2015
Print ISSN: 1557-1874
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1882
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-015-9544-3

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Correlates of Lifetime Trauma Exposure Among Pregnant Women from Cape Town, South Africa

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