Access to HIV prophylaxis for survivors of sexual assault: the tip of the iceberg.
BACKGROUND
In France non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) is recommended in case of sexual assault and can be prescribed, after risk evaluation, in emergency or AIDS care units.


METHODS
A survey was carried out on retrospective data of individuals being consulted for nPEP in south-eastern France.


RESULTS
Of the 915 consultations for sexual exposures, 94 were sexual assaults concerning adults. Most were prescribed nPEP (91.5%), but half were lost to follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
During the study period throughout the same region, 623 survivors reported sexual assault to the police. The comparison of these figures shows that the number of victims who have no access to medical consultation for nPEP may be alarmingly high and strongly suggests the urgency to develop strategies for guaranteeing prompt HIV medical assessment for victims of sexual assault and assure adherence to medical follow-up.
Carrieri
Maria Patrizia
MP
INSERM U379, Marseilles France.
Patrizia
Carrieri Maria
CM
Bendiane
Marc Karim
MK
Karim
Bendiane Marc
BM
Moatti
Jean Paul
JP
Paul
Moatti Jean
MJ
Rey
Dominique
D
Dominique
Rey
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019380:Anti-HIV Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018890:Chemoprevention; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012742:Sex Offenses
D019380:Anti-HIV Agents