HIV Risk Among Men Who Have Sex With Men Who Have Experienced Childhood Sexual Abuse: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Shane Lloyd and Don Operario, AIDS Education and Prevention (2012)

This article summarizes a review of all available United States studies assessing the childhood sexual abuse (CSA) history and risk-taking behavior (along with STI/HIV related outcomes) of men who have sex with men (MSM). Researchers found a correlation between HIV infection and a history of CSA among MSM. While the rate of HIV positive MSM with no history of CSA was 10.8%, the corresponding percentage for MSM who had been abused was 13.1%.

There are many hypotheses about why MSM with CSA history are more vulnerable to HIV. Some researchers think the correlation is related to the "anxiety, hostility, and suicidality, which can then contribute to unsafe sexual behaviors" experienced by many victims of abuse. Others point to the fact that CSA often causes victims to feel less empowered when negotiating their sexual safety later in life. Another theory is that early sexual abuse directly correlates to behaviors that are linked to higher rates of HIV, such as substance abuse and sexual risk taking.  

The researchers conclude that additional research is necessary to understand exactly how CSA relates to HIV rates in adulthood.  They suggest that instead of focusing solely on physical health care, HIV prevention programs should also incorporate mental health components.  The overlap between CSA and HIV also indicates that psychological health care providers should be trained in HIV prevention and treatment.