Prevalence/factors associated with sexual violence among persons aged 60+ in the United States, NISVS 2016/2017

• In Event: Poster Session

Abstract

Sexual violence (SV) is a serious public health problem, impacting an individual’s well-being. Data on the prevalence of SV among older adults are limited. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) is an ongoing, nationally representative, telephone survey for non-institutionalized adults in the United States. For this study, SV is defined as: rape, being made to penetrate (men only), sexual coercion, and unwanted sexual contact. We used NISVS 2016/2017 data to determine SV prevalence and demographic correlates among persons aged 60+. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using survey logistic regression. Among 10,171 older respondents (5,721 females, 4,278 males), preliminary results indicate that 1.7% experienced any SV during the past 12 months. Compared to those 60-69 years old, people aged 70-79 years or ≥80 years had significantly lower odds of experiencing SV (aOR=0.4, 95%CI=0.2-0.7; aOR=0.2, 95%CI=0.1-0.5, respectively). Compared to married people or those living with a partner, divorced/separated and widowed/never married people had higher odds of experiencing SV (aOR=2.4, 95%CI=1.3-4.5; aOR=2.6, 95%CI=1.4-5.1, respectively). People with any cognitive impairment had significantly higher odds of experiencing SV, than those with no cognitive impairment (aOR=4.0, 95%CI=2.1-7.3). Findings can inform SV prevention efforts among older populations.

Authors

• Hui Zhang Kudon, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Jeffrey Herbst, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• LaTonia C. Richardson, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Sharon G. Smith, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Zewditu Demissie, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• Carlos Siordia, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention