1. Physiological Changes from Violence-Induced Stress and Trauma Enhance HIV Susceptibility Among Women.
- Author
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Tsuyuki K, Cimino AN, Holliday CN, Campbell JC, Al-Alusi NA, and Stockman JK
- Subjects
- Adult, Child, Crime Victims psychology, Exposure to Violence psychology, Female, Humans, Gender-Based Violence psychology, HIV Infections epidemiology, Psychological Trauma psychology, Stress, Psychological psychology
- Abstract
Purpose of Review: This theoretical review identifies physiological mechanisms by which violence against women (VAW) may increase women's susceptibility to HIV through trauma, stress, and immune dysfunction., Recent Findings: Research documents systemic and local immune responses are related to stress and trauma from abuse across the life course (i.e., childhood, IPV, adulthood re-victimization). Findings are interpreted within a theoretical framework grounded in the Social Stress Theory and the concept of toxic stress, and highlight the current state of the science connecting: (1) VAW to the physiological stress response and immune dysfunction, and (2) the physiological stress response and inflammation to HIV susceptibility and infection in the female reproductive tract. Despite a dearth of research in human subjects, evidence suggests that VAW plays a significant role in creating a physiological environment conducive to HIV infection. We conclude with a discussion of promising future steps for this line of research.
- Published
- 2019
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