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Should we offer antibiotic prophylaxis post sexual assault?
A M Gibb1, T McManus, G E Forster
1Department of GU Medicine, Ambrose King Centre, Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel, London E1 1BB, UK.
International Journal of STD & AIDS
|March 29, 2003
Summary
Antibiotic prophylaxis is acceptable for sexual assault survivors, despite low follow-up rates. This supports its use in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in these vulnerable populations.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Forensic Medicine
Background:
- Sexual assault survivors face risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Antibiotic prophylaxis is a potential intervention to mitigate these risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the acceptability of antibiotic prophylaxis post-sexual assault.
- To assess follow-up attendance rates among survivors.
- To determine the prevalence of STIs in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of case notes for female survivors of sexual assault (n=25) attending a specialist clinic.
- Screening for STIs including bacterial vaginosis, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
- Analysis of antibiotic prophylaxis acceptance and follow-up attendance at two weeks and three months.
Main Results:
- 88% of women accepted antibiotic prophylaxis.
- Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis was 32%, and Chlamydia trachomatis was 8%.
- Follow-up attendance was 57% at two weeks and 30% at three months, indicating low rates.
Conclusions:
- Antibiotic prophylaxis is acceptable to women post-sexual assault.
- Low follow-up rates highlight challenges in post-assault care.
- Findings support the use of antibiotic prophylaxis, warranting further research on cost-benefit and STI prevalence.