The prevalence of sexual assault: a survey of 2404 puerperal women.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this investigation was to determine the prevalence of sexual assault, to characterize pregnancy complications, and to report pregnancy outcomes of assault victims.


METHODS
Puerperal women (n = 2404) were interviewed regarding a history of forced sexual contact. Obstetric, medical, and forensic records were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed by Student t test, chi 2 test, or Fisher's exact test.


RESULTS
The lifetime prevalence of sexual assault in this obstetric population was 5% (n = 120). Rape victims had a higher incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (9% vs 4%, p < 0.01), urinary tract infections or vaginitis (32% vs 21%, p = 0.02), drug use (9% vs 2%, p < 0.001), and multiple hospitalizations during the index pregnancy (15% vs 8%, p < 0.01). There was no difference between victims and nonvictims in neonatal outcome as reflected by umbilical artery blood pH, gestational age, or birth weight.


CONCLUSIONS
A history of sexual assault is common in an urban indigent obstetric population. These women have more frequent pregnancy complications but achieve normal pregnancy outcomes.
Satin
A J
AJ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9032.
Ramin
S M
SM
Paicurich
J
J
Millman
S
S
Wendel
G D
GD
D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D015995:Prevalence; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000145:classification; D014754:Violence