Women experiencing early-life physical or sexual abuse have excess early mortality

Childhood or adolescent physical and sexual abuse has been found to have long-term negative effects on health and mortality in adulthood. A recent study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) examined data from 68,000 women who participated in the US Nurses Health Study. The researchers focused on the role of mental health conditions and lifestyle patterns in mediating the associations between early-life abuse and adverse health outcomes.

The study revealed that approximately half of the nurses reported experiencing physical abuse during their childhood or adolescence, and about one third reported sexual abuse. The analyses showed significant associations between early-life abuse and premature death before the age of 70, particularly due to injuries, poisoning, or suicide, as well as respiratory, cardiovascular, or gastrointestinal diseases.

Further examination of the data revealed that these associations were influenced, to varying degrees, by factors such as depression, anxiety, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles. However, diet and obesity did not appear to play a significant role in mediating these associations.

The findings highlight the importance of preventing child abuse and its long-term impact on women's health and longevity. It suggests that trauma-informed counselling and support services specifically designed for individuals who have experienced childhood abuse may help mitigate the adverse effects. These services should be provided by therapists and teams who have the necessary training and experience in addressing the unique needs of survivors of childhood abuse.

Overall, the study underscores the need for increased awareness, prevention, and support systems to address the long-lasting effects of childhood abuse on individuals' health and well-being. By addressing emotional conditions and modifying behavioural risk factors, we can potentially improve the long-term health outcomes for survivors of childhood abuse.