Sexually transmitted infections among women attending a Norwegian Sexual Assault Centre

Abstract

Objectives: The objective was to describe the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and blood-borne viruses (BBVs), and prophylactic treatment offered to female postpubertal patients attending a Norwegian Sexual Assault Centre (SAC). We wanted to evaluate whether STIs diagnosed at the initial visit might be assault-transmitted, and to explore whether background and assault characteristics were associated with diagnosed STI/BBV. Methods: We included postpubertal females ≥ 12 years of age attending the SAC within one week of the assault. Data were collected from records. We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study, and used logistic regression analysis. Results: Among 412 patients with a median age of 21 years, 35 patients had an STI (8.5%), two of which probably were assault-transmitted. Chlamydia trachomatis was the dominating agent, detected in 25 patients (6.4%). At serology screening, 3.7% tested positive for hepatitis C and/or hepatitis B core antibody. Patient age 16 – 19 years was associated with STI, while BBV positives were older. Non-Western assailant was associated with STI, while substance abuse was associated with both STI and BBV. In order to prevent potential transmission of STI not identified at the initial visit, 91% accepted prophylaxis against bacterial STI, while anti-viral prophylaxis was offered to less than one fifth of the patients. Conclusions: The C trachomatis prevalence among the sexual assault patients was lower than in a comparable clinical population. The STI was suspected to be assault-transmitted in only two cases.