abuse

Past abuse related to poor mental health in HIV-positive women

Women with HIV who are young, in poor physical health, in conflict with others, and who have been physically abused by a partner in the past are at greater risk for developing mental health and drug abuse problems, according to a new study. The study of HIV-infected women published in the May-June issue of Women’s Health Issues found that women who reported past physical abuse were 2.1 times more likely to have a probable psychiatric disorder than women without a history of past abuse, according to Cathy Sherbourne, Ph.D., of RAND, and colleagues.

Study links alcohol abuse with higher incidence of oral health maladies

Patients with alcohol abuse problems also show a higher incidence of periodontal disease, tooth decay and potentially precancerous oral lesions, according to recent study results from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicinee. As part of the study, 24 male and 10 female patients at a rehabilitation center for alcohol abuse in Buffalo provided information on their dental hygiene habits and lifestyle behaviors and received a dental exam. Oral health was assessed based on the presence of plaque, periodontal inflammation, DMF index, number of teeth showing enamel loss and an examination of the tongue, cheeks and palate for oral lesions.