An epidemiological investigation into long-term health care utilisation and rates of premature mortality in child sex abuse survivors

Child sex abuse (CSA) is a recognised social issue that has been associated with a plethora of adverse outcomes for victims, including high rates of mental health health difficulties, elevated risk of suicide, physical health difficulties and higher rates of health service utilisation. This thesis investigates the rates of healthcare utilisation for physical and mental health difficulties, rates of use of psychotropic medication and rates of mortality in a sample of adult CSA survivors. The findings increase our understanding of the level and type of care CSA survivors require and assist us with screening individuals who may be most at risk of developing adverse outcomes.