[Emergency care for women following sexual assault: characteristics of women and six-month post-aggression follow-up].
This study evaluated the process and results of treatment for women at a university hospital after sexual violence. A prospective study of 166 women (> or = 12 years of age) treated from October 1999 to February 2002 included six months follow-up after aggression. Half of the women were under 20 years of age, two were illiterate, 70.0% unmarried, 20.0% used contraceptives, and 80.0% received treatment within the first 24 hours post-aggression. Nearly 80.0% of aggressors were unknown to victims and 95.0% of the cases involved vaginal penetration. Emergency contraception was administered to 76.0%, antibiotics to 98.0%, hepatitis B immunoglobulin to 95.0%, and HIV anti-retroviral prophylaxis to 90.0%. The first follow-up consultation (at 14 days) was attended by 137 women, whereas 37.0% dropped out before the 45-day visit and only 29.0% complied with the six-month follow-up. During follow-up, hepatitis B and HPV were identified in 2.6%, pelvic inflammatory disease and Trichomonas vaginalis in 2.1%, and syphilis in 1.3%. Three pregnancies were observed among 127 women who received emergency contraception (2.6%). No cases of HIV seroconversion were observed. Emergency care for victims of sexual assault is effective in reducing unwanted pregnancies and infections.
Oshikata
Carlos Tadayuki
CT
Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil.
Bedone
Aloísio José
AJ
Faúndes
Anibal
A
D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019548:Crime Victims / Q000523:psychology*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011902:Rape / Q000523:psychology*; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control
D003281:Contraceptives, Postcoital