Relationship of genital injuries and age in adolescent and young adult rape survivors
Baker, R.B.; Sommers, M.S.
Journal of Obstetric Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing Jognn 37(3): 282-289
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0884-2175 PMID: 18507599 DOI: 10.1111/j.1552-6909.2008.00239.xDocument Number: 201190
To examine the associations between age and genital injuries in adolescent and young adult women examined following rape. A retrospective review of 234 medical records from an emergency department sexual assault program. Women aged 14 to 29 years. Fifty percent of the sample was African American, 48% was White, and 2% was either Asian or an "other" race. Genital injury was described by injury prevalence, frequency, and anatomical locations of injuries. Overall genital injury prevalence was 62.8%. Younger age was not significantly associated with the presence or absence of genital injury. However, younger age was significantly associated with an increased number of genital injuries overall and to the thighs, labia minora, periurethral area, fossa navicularis, and vagina. These findings support the need for further research to determine if the current care provided to rape survivors is age appropriate.
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