This research provides new descriptive epidemiology on the demography and the quality of care of victims of sexual assault in a nationally representative survey using six years of the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS). Data are analyzed for four outcomes: compliance to CDC guidelines for treatment of sexually transmitted diseases after sexual assault; the incidence of prophylactic STD treatment versus screening and treatment; the administration of emergency contraception; and indication of victim follow-up. The data used in the study is from the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) over six years from 1992 to 1997. The NHAMCS is a national probability survey of visits to hospital ED's and outpatient departments. Estimates of mean numbers of patients treated and characteristics of victims are reported for compliance to STD guidelines, STD treatment type, administration of emergency contraception, and follow-up. Analysis shows that the number of rapes per year reported by the NHAMCS data is highly consistent with the number of forcible rapes reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Results show that not all women are receiving the full complement of antimicrobial agents suggested by the CDC guidelines. Administration of emergency contraception is less frequent in the NHAMCS sample than in a typical hospital with a sexual assault treatment program. Follow-up occurs for the majority of patients. It is important to assess care for sexual assault victims in a nationally representative sample to identify deficiencies in treatment and areas in need of improvement.
Learning Objectives: Understand the treatment of sexual assault victims using a nationally representative survey
Keywords: CDC Guidelines, Sexual Assault
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Center for Health Statistics
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.