Sexual assault victims' compliance with follow-up care at one sexual assault treatment center

To determine whether patients who receive emergency care at a sexual assault treatment center (SATC) follow suggested guidelines for prevention and/or treatment of associated sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

The research was a descriptive study of 26 adult victims of sexual assault who had been treated initially at a SATC.

A nine-item questionnaire was designed to query participants by telephone 6 to 8 weeks after their initial care for sexual assault. Participants were questioned about their compliance with the suggested medication regimen and follow-up medical attention. In addition, health insurance coverage information was retrieved from participants' records to ascertain possible patterns of compliance by availability of health insurance. Participant perceptions of the nursing care received in the SATC also were elicited. Data were analyzed with frequencies and percentages, as well as qualitative categorization procedures.

Twenty-six women, aged 19 to 43 years (mean = 27), participated in the study. Seventy-three percent reported taking all of the prophylactic medication prescribed or given to them at the SATC, whereas only 50% had made and kept a recommended follow-up appointment with a physician. No association could be determined between compliance with the suggested follow-up protocol and the availability of health insurance. Reasons for not following suggested protocols varied greatly. Of particular importance for those who were noncompliant were the implied misunderstandings related to the need to take medications after a sexual assault.

Although concern has been expressed in the literature regarding sexual assault victims' compliance with follow-up regimens for the prevention and treatment of STD, the findings from this study indicate that compliance, particularly with medication protocols, may be higher than expected. However, continuing work is needed to ensure that all victims receive all recommended information regarding follow-up care during the first encounter with the nurse and that the rationale for follow-up care is fully understood by the patient. Nurses who interact with victims of sexual assault are in the best position to enhance compliance with follow-up regimens by identifying victims who may be at risk of noncompliance.