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Open Access 03-07-2022 | Multiple Sclerosis | Original Communication

Abuse and revictimization in adulthood in multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional study during pregnancy

Authors: Karine Eid, Øivind Torkildsen, Jan Aarseth, Elisabeth G. Celius, Marianna Cortese, Trygve Holmøy, Akash Kapali, Kjell-Morten Myhr, Cecilie F. Torkildsen, Stig Wergeland, Nils Erik Gilhus, Marte-Helene Bjørk

Published in: Journal of Neurology | Issue 11/2022

Abstract

Background

Knowledge concerning exposure to abuse in adulthood and in pregnancy in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) is sparse.

Objective

To determine the occurrence of adult abuse and abuse in relation to pregnancy in women with MS and their risk of revictimization (repeated abuse as adults after childhood abuse).

Methods

This cross-sectional study comprised pregnant women from the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort study. Information on abuse was acquired through self-completed questionnaires. We used logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

We identified 106 women with MS at enrollment through linkage with national health registries. The reference group consisted of 77,278 women without MS. Twenty-seven women (26%) with MS reported any adult abuse compared to 15,491 women (20%) without MS, aOR 1.33 (0.85–2.09). Twenty-two (21%) women with MS reported systematic emotional abuse compared to 13% without MS, aOR 1.75 (1.08–2.83). Ten women (10%) with MS reported sexual abuse, compared to 6% without MS, aOR 1.72 (0.89–3.33). More women with MS reported rape as an adult, aOR 2.37 (1.02–5.49). Women with MS had higher risk of revictimization as adults, after childhood abuse, aOR 2.23 (1.22–4.10). The risk of abuse during pregnancy or 6 months preceding pregnancy was similar between the groups.

Conclusions

Women with MS had increased occurrence of systematic emotional abuse, rape, and revictimization as adults, compared to women without MS.

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Title: Abuse and revictimization in adulthood in multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional study during pregnancy
Authors: Karine Eid
Øivind Torkildsen
Jan Aarseth
Elisabeth G. Celius
Marianna Cortese
Trygve Holmøy
Akash Kapali
Kjell-Morten Myhr
Cecilie F. Torkildsen
Stig Wergeland
Nils Erik Gilhus
Marte-Helene Bjørk
Publication date: 03-07-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis
Rape
Published in: Journal of Neurology / Issue 11/2022
Print ISSN: 0340-5354
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1459
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-022-11249-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abuse and revictimization in adulthood in multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional study during pregnancy

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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