Self-reported childhood abuse in an adult population in a primary care setting. Prevalence, correlates, and associated suicide attempts.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence of childhood physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and suicide attempts in a sample of adult patients from a primary care setting and to examine the relationship between suicide attempts and a self-reported history of childhood abuse.

DESIGN: Cross-sectional sampling via a self-administered survey that included an abuse questionnaire, the Inventory to Diagnose Depression, and questions regarding suicide.

SETTING: University medical center family medicine practice.

PATIENTS: A convenience sample of patients aged 18 years and older presenting for care. Of the 778 patients approached, 448 patients (58%) consented and returned their surveys. We report only on the 292 surveys (38%) returned with complete information. Subjects were predominantly middle class and white, with a mean age of 37 years.

MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Forty-four percent of the patients reported experience of childhood abuse, and 22% reported multiple forms of abuse. Eighteen percent of abused vs 3% of nonabused patients (P = .00001) reported a history of suicide attempts. Being female, younger, and less educated were associated with any abuse. Females reported more sexual abuse; less educated patients, more physical abuse; and younger patients, more physical and sexual abuse and suicide attempts. Odds ratios for suicide attempts, when adjusted by abuse status, were 6.4 for any abuse (95% confidence intervals [CI], 2.4 to 17.6), 4.1 for sexual abuse (95% CI, 1.7 to 9.9), 3.7 for emotional abuse (95% CI, 1.4 to 10.0), and 1.2 for physical abuse (95% CI, 0.5 to 3.1).

CONCLUSION: A history of childhood abuse was a common experience in this sample. Patients with a history of abuse, particularly sexual and emotional abuse, are at increased risk of suicidal behavior. To facilitate more appropriate care and treatment, primary care practitioners should question patients regarding a history of abuse.