42 Profile of cardiovascular risk factors among child sexual abuse victims in Puerto Rico

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors in a group of victims of CSA in Puerto Rico and determine the impact of both the offender and the number of victimizations on the presentation of cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A study design of a retrospective chart review at a clinical forensic service in Puerto Rico. The demographic variables were age, sex, and health plan; the CV risk factors were family health history, level of physical activity, blood pressure, BMI, and lipid profile. Sexual violence experience variables were sexual assault, sexual molestation, the relationship with the offender, and the number of victimizations. Medical records were used to identify cardiovascular risk factors and variables associated with child sexual abuse victimization. Central tendency and frequencies were used to describe the risk factors and victimization. The Mann–Whitney and Fisher exact tests were used to determine the differences between the type of victimization and the risk factors for cardiovascular health. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Most of the victims were female (81%), with an average age of 10 (SD 3.8). According to the 31 reviewed charts, 55% were victims of sexual assault, the offender was a family member (84%), and the assault had occurred more than once (81%). The study also found that systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI) were at unhealthy levels (based on age and sex); when the victim reported sexual assault, the offender was a family member, and more than one assault occurred. Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and fasting blood sugar were statistically significant among victims who reported being either sexually assaulted or sexually molested when the offender was a family member, and the victimization occurred more than once. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: This study indicated a higher prevalence of CVD risk factors in children victims of sexual assault. The blood pressure, lipid profiles, and BMIs were much higher than the standards. Early childhood screening is crucial in alerting health professionals to a child’s exposure to trauma.