To examine the association between prior childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and graded frequency of adult loneliness in a nationally representative sample of US adults.
Approach:
Study Design: Cross-sectional analysis using data from the 2023-2024 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS).
Sample: 53,444 adults aged 18 years or older who completed both the ACE and Social Determinants of Health modules.
Data Collection: Self-reported CSA and loneliness assessed through specific survey items.
Statistical Methods: Used inverse probability weighting (IPW) to reduce confounding and tested effect modification by demographic characteristics.
Key Findings:
Childhood sexual abuse is associated with higher levels of adult loneliness.
The association varies by sex, race and ethnicity, and age group.
Interpretation:
Limitations:
Cross-sectional design limits causal inference.
Reliance on self-reported data may introduce bias.
Exclusion of respondents with missing data may affect generalizability.
