A survey of pregnant women's knowledge about sexual abuse.
OBJECTIVE
To assess pregnant women's understanding of sexual abuse prevalence and perpetrator characteristics.


METHODS
A multiple choice questionnaire concerning knowledge about sexual abuse prevalence and an understanding of potential perpetrators was presented to patients. Comparisons were made based on participant's age, educational status, and personal involvement in the care of children.


METHODS
Prenatal clinic, Department of OB/GYN, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee.


METHODS
Patients presenting for new obstetrical evaluation (N = 289).


METHODS
Responses to the questionnaire.


RESULTS
Less than half of the subjects correctly answered questions about sexual abuse prevalence. Only 22% of patients understood the potential youthfulness of juvenile sex offenders. Neither age nor child care responsibilities affected response. Subjects with greater than 12 years of formal education achieved significantly higher scores than those with less education, 59% of respondents were interested in more information.


CONCLUSIONS
Pregnant women's knowledge about the dangers of sexual abuse was suboptimal in this population. The majority of patients were interested in more information.
Olsen
M E
ME
Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City 37614-0569, USA.
Kalbfleisch
J H
JH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D009035:Mothers; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016387:Women's Health