Long-term consequences of childhood sexual abuse: An umbrella review of diagnostic meta-analyses.
Pol Thomas, Benjamin Fauquert, Nadine Kacenelenbogen et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This umbrella review synthesised 38 meta-analyses of observational studies, covering about 20 million individuals, to map adult physical, psychiatric and behavioural outcomes associated with childhood sexual abuse (CSA). The review reported associations across all three domains. Among the highlighted estimates, sleep disorders had an odds ratio (OR) of 16.17 and borderline personality disorder an OR of 5.96; early sexual initiation had an OR of 3.59. The authors found no significant differences in consequences between men and women except for reproductive health outcomes. These findings describe associations and do not establish that CSA caused the outcomes.
Key findings
- Sleep disorders were among the most prevalent mental health outcomes associated with CSA (OR=16.17).
- Borderline personality disorder was associated with CSA (OR=5.96).
- Early sexual initiation was a prominent behavioural outcome associated with CSA (OR=3.59).
- The review found no significant sex differences in reported consequences except for reproductive health outcomes.
Why it matters
The review brings together evidence linking CSA with a broad range of adult health outcomes, underscoring its potential relevance when assessing patients with physical, psychiatric or behavioural concerns. The findings may support sensitive consideration of abuse history in clinical discussions, while recognising that the reported associations have multifactorial origins and do not establish causation.
What to keep in mind
The review notes that consequences have multifactorial origins and that definitions of abuse are problematic. Its findings synthesise observational meta-analyses, so they establish associations rather than causation.