The Relationship Between Child Sexual Abuse and Sexual Dysfunction in Adults: A Meta-Analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Medical Research

Background:

• Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a recognized risk factor for adult sexual dysfunction, yet research findings remain debated.
• Clarifying the precise association between CSA and sexual dysfunction in adults is crucial for public health and clinical practice.

Approach:

• A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted, systematically searching five major bibliographic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, PsycINFO).
• A fixed-effects model was employed to calculate the pooled effect size, reporting odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
• Subgroup, publication bias, and sensitivity analyses were performed to ensure robustness of the findings.

Key Points:

• Adults with a history of CSA exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction (OR = 1.68, 95% CI [1.49, 1.87]).
• Women with a history of CSA reported higher rates of sexual dysfunction compared to men (Women: OR = 1.62, 95% CI [1.42, 1.83]; Men: OR = 1.45, 95% CI [1.05, 1.84]).
• Effect size estimates varied based on the specific instruments used for assessing CSA and sexual dysfunction, as well as the geographical origin of the studies.

Conclusions:

• This meta-analysis provides definitive evidence for a significant association between child sexual abuse and sexual dysfunction in adulthood.
• Current interventions for sexual dysfunction post-CSA have primarily focused on women; there is an urgent need to develop and evaluate specific interventions for male survivors of CSA experiencing sexual impairment.