Purpose: In a study of adolescent girls ages 15-19 enrolled in a HIV-prevention RCT, we identified the prevalence and frequency of sexual abuse or coercion and other mental health and sexual risk correlates.

Methods: Baseline data were collected from 304 girls using audio-computer assisted self interview (ACASI) to enhance report of sensitive information. Participants were largely impoverished (64%) young African American women (69%). They provided detailed information on sexual abuse in various scenarios and differentiated between feeling pressured into having sex, having sexual acts attempted, and being forced into penetrative sexual acts.

Results: Of all the girls surveyed, 60 % reported they had experienced sexual abuse or coercion to various degrees. Significant correlations were identified between sexual abuse/ coercion and many of the mental health and sexual risk correlates. Those classified as having had negative sexual experiences were significantly more likely to have depressive symptoms, eating disorders, larger intake of alcohol on a regular basis, and be binge drinkers. There were no differences in age of onset of consensual vaginal or anal sex but girls with sexual abuse histories were significantly less likely to have oral sex at an earlier age; they also tended to have more lifetime sexual partners. Those with a history of sexual abuse were more likely to have been tested for HIV than those without such history.

Implications: These results can inform targeted HIV-prevention interventions for girls with a history of sexual abuse to include approaches to multiple high-risk behaviors.