Women abused pay more for healthcare

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 22 (UPI) -- Female abuse victims spend up to one-third more than average on healthcare, even decades after their physical or sexual abuse has ended, a U.S. study found.

The study of 3,333 women found those who had no history of abuse spent an average of $2,413 a year -- in 2004 dollars -- on healthcare costs. However, women who were sexually abused paid an average of $382 a year more; those who were physically abused spent $502 more; and women who suffered both types of abuse spent $790 a year in additional healthcare costs.

The study, published online in advance of the March issue of the Journal of General Internal Medicine, found women who were sexually abused as children faced healthcare costs 16 percent higher than non-abused women, while physically abused women's costs were 22 percent higher. For women who suffered both types of abuse, costs rose 36 percent above average.

Amy Bonomi of Ohio State University, who led the study at Group Health in Seattle, said women who had been abused were more likely than others to be diagnosed with depression. They also reported more physical symptoms and were more likely to have a higher body mass index.