title: The prevalence of sexual assault: a survey of 2404 puerperal women.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9032.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Satin
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Ramin
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Paicurich
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Millman
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Wendel
mesh_terms: 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