Gender specific association of child abuse and adult cardiovascular disease in a sample of patients with basal cell carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to examine whether child abuse or neglect is more strongly associated with adult cardiovascular disease, and whether these associations differ by gender.


METHODS
A total of 116 participants (mean age 57.75 years) reported their experience of childhood maltreatment using the well-validated Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire. Cardiovascular disease was assessed using the Older Adults Resources Survey Multidimensional Functional Assessment Questionnaire.


RESULTS
Child abuse but not neglect was significantly associated with adult cardiovascular disease. The significant relationship between child abuse and cardiovascular disease was specific to women.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study indicate that being abused as a child is significantly associated with cardiovascular disease in adulthood, particularly among women.
MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK.
Georgina M
GM
Hosang
Sheri L
SL
Johnson
Janice
J
Kiecolt-Glaser
Michael P
MP
Di Gregorio
David R
DR
Lambert
Mark A
MA
Bechtel
Dean W
DW
Hearne
Joel B
JB
Herron
Ronald
R
Glaser
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000209:etiology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors
D006854:Hydrocortisone