Childhood Sexual Trauma and Subjective Cognitive Decline: An Assessment of Racial/Ethnic and Sexual Orientation Disparities

Prior studies examining the association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) are limited. The aim of this study was to examine the racial/ethnic and sexual orientation disparities in the association between CSA and SCD. Using data from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey, crude and multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the association between CSA and SCD adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, diabetes, hypertension, and depression. There were statistically significant differences in CSA status by age, gender, income, education, employment, and health status (depression). Black and Hispanic/Latine respondents had a stronger relationship between CSA and SCD compared to White populations. Also, sexual minority populations had a stronger relationship between CSA and SCD compared to heterosexual populations. Health disparities exist in the association between CSA and SCD. Trauma-informed interventions should be implemented among affected populations.

Automated summary

Prior studies on the association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) are limited. This study aims to examine racial/ethnic and sexual orientation disparities in this association. Data from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey was used to analyze the association, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, diabetes, hypertension, and depression. Statistically significant differences in the association were found based on age, gender, income, education, employment, and health status (depression). Black and Hispanic/Latine populations had a stronger association compared to White populations, along with sexual minority populations compared to heterosexual populations. Health disparities exist in the association between CSA and SCD, highlighting the need for trauma-informed interventions among affected populations.