Sexual abuse and reproductive health among unmarried young women seeking abortion in China

Objective: To investigate sexual violence and its impact on reproductive health in unmarried young women seeking abortion in China. Methods: A total of 2002 participants were surveyed by questionnaire, gynecologic examination, and laboratory tests for sexually transmitted disease (STD). Results: Overall, 14% of participants had experienced sexual violence and 43.4% were diagnosed with STD. Among victims of sexual abuse, 8.6% had their first sexual encounter when they were younger than 18 years; 42.7% had had 2 or more sexual partners; and 21.6% never used contraception. Multivariate analysis revealed that sexual abuse, multiple sexual partners, sexual activity before the age of 18 years, and not using contraception were important indicators of the presence of STD. Conclusion: The prevalence of sexual abuse is high in China; and among unmarried young women seeking abortion, those who experience sexual abuse are at significantly increased risk for STD.