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Lee J, Lee MK. Development and Usability of a Mobile Support Application for Sexual Violence Victims Connecting With Formal Support Organizations. Violence Against Women 2024:10778012241263105. [PMID: 39043132 DOI: 10.1177/10778012241263105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
The lack of awareness and accessibility about the support organizations for preventing sexual violence and assisting victims hampers the effectiveness of the social safety net. A mobile application based on a connection to support agencies was developed and evaluated for usability. A group of 15 experts and a group of 30 users evaluated usability. The developed mobile application focused on "Emergency Report," "Support Agencies and Services," and "Counseling for Support." The strength of the application was acknowledged in providing easy-to-find, reliable, useful, and necessary information, highlighting the positive usability and applicability of the mobile support application for sexual violence victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Lee
- Department of Forensic Nursing, Forensic and Investigative Science Graduate School, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Myung Kyung Lee
- College of Nursing, Research Institute of Nursing Innovation, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
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2
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Oesterle DW, McKee GB, Dworkin ER, Blackburn AM, Daigle LE, Gill-Hopple K, Gilmore AK. Characteristics of Sexual Assault Among Men Receiving a Forensic Medical Examination. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2024; 33:337-354. [PMID: 37661816 PMCID: PMC10909921 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2023.2249890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Sexual assault is a form of violence disproportionately perpetrated against women by men; however, men also experience high rates of sexual victimization. While recent research exploring victimization of sexual assault among men does exist, little is known about situational characteristics and consequences surrounding men's assault experiences. Therefore, the current study examines narratives of men's sexual assault to further understand the unique experiences of men receiving a sexual assault medical forensic examination. To accomplish this, we conducted a retrospective medical chart review of sexual assault narratives from N = 45 men receiving a sexual assault medical forensic examination at a large academic medical institution in the southeastern United States. Three general constructs were identified within the records: a) Perpetrator use of coercive tactics, b) Memory loss, and c) Contextual factors. Nested within these constructs, five specific themes emerged, including: a1) Use of weapons and physical force; a2) Tactical administration of alcohol and drugs; b1) Difficulties remembering assault; c1) Consensual sexual activity turned non-consensual; c2) Incarceration. Findings from the present study common identified characteristics of sexual assaults among men receiving a sexual assault medical forensic examination, including coercive tactics used by perpetrators, consequences of sexual assault, and high-risk settings for male victimization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Grace B McKee
- San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emily R Dworkin
- University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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3
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Hardeberg Bach M, Ahrens C, Olff M, Armour C, Krogh SS, Hansen M. EHealth for Sexual Assault: A Systematic Scoping Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:102-116. [PMID: 36632639 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221143355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Providing efficient psychosocial support for survivors of sexual assault is of critical societal importance. Around the globe, technology-based solutions (eHealth) are increasingly being used to accomplish this task, especially following COVID-19. Despite increased importance and reliance on eHealth for sexual assault, minimal efforts have been made to systematically synthesize research in this area. The present study therefore sought to synthesize what is known about eHealth targeting sexual assault survivors' psychosocial needs using a systematic scoping review methodology. To this end, five databases (CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Scopus) were systematically searched for studies published from 2010 onwards using terms such as "sexual assault", "eHealth", "digital health", "telehealth", and variations thereof. Of the 6,491 records screened for eligibility, 85 studies were included in the review. We included empirical studies from all countries pertaining to eHealth for sexual assault for survivors 13 years or older. Many innovative eHealth applications for sexual assault exist today, and the included studies suggested that survivors generally experience eHealth positively and seem to benefit from it. Nevertheless, much more clinical and empirical work is needed to ensure accessible and effective solutions for all.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Maj Hansen
- University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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4
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Ranney ML, Stettenbauer EG, Delgado MK, Yao KA, Orchowski LM. Uses of mHealth in Injury Prevention and Control: a Critical Review. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2022; 9:273-281. [PMID: 36404873 PMCID: PMC9644389 DOI: 10.1007/s40471-022-00312-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Reviews The purpose of this review was to summarize the current state of the literature on the use of "mHealth" (the use of mobile devices for health promotion) for injury prevention and control. Recent Findings mHealth is being used to measure, predict, and prevent the full spectrum of injuries. However, most literature remains preliminary or in a pilot stage. Use of best-of-class design principles (e.g., user-centered design, theory-based development) is uncommon, and wide-scale dissemination of effective monitoring or intervention tools is rare. Summary mHealth for injury prevention holds promise, but further work is needed across the full spectrum of development and translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L. Ranney
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Alpert Medical School Brown University, Providence, USA
- Brown-Lifespan Center for Digital Health, Providence, USA
- Department of Behavioral and Social Science, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, USA
| | - E. G. Stettenbauer
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, USA
| | - M. Kit Delgado
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Lindsay M. Orchowski
- Brown-Lifespan Center for Digital Health, Providence, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI USA
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Brown SJ, Carter GJ, Halliwell G, Brown K, Caswell R, Howarth E, Feder G, O'Doherty L. Survivor, family and professional experiences of psychosocial interventions for sexual abuse and violence: a qualitative evidence synthesis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 10:CD013648. [PMID: 36194890 PMCID: PMC9531960 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013648.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well-established that experiencing sexual abuse and violence can have a range of detrimental impacts; a wide variety of interventions exist to support survivors in the aftermath. Understanding the experiences and perspectives of survivors receiving such interventions, along with those of their family members, and the professionals who deliver them is important for informing decision making as to what to offer survivors, for developing new interventions, and enhancing their acceptability. OBJECTIVES This review sought to: 1. identify, appraise and synthesise qualitative studies exploring the experiences of child and adult survivors of sexual abuse and violence, and their caregivers, regarding psychosocial interventions aimed at supporting survivors and preventing negative health outcomes in terms of benefits, risks/harms and barriers; 2. identify, appraise and synthesise qualitative studies exploring the experiences of professionals who deliver psychosocial interventions for sexual abuse and violence in terms of perceived benefits, risks/harms and barriers for survivors and their families/caregivers; 3. develop a conceptual understanding of how different factors influence uptake, dropout or completion, and outcomes from psychosocial interventions for sexual abuse and violence; 4. develop a conceptual understanding of how features and types of interventions responded to the needs of different user/survivor groups (e.g. age groups; types of abuse exposure; migrant populations) and contexts (healthcare/therapeutic settings; low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)); 5. explore how the findings of this review can enhance our understanding of the findings from the linked and related reviews assessing the effectiveness of interventions aimed at supporting survivors and preventing negative health outcomes. SEARCH METHODS In August 2021 we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and nine other databases. We also searched for unpublished reports and qualitative reports of quantitative studies in a linked systematic review, together with reference checking, citation searches and contacting authors and other researchers to identify relevant studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included qualitative and mixed-methods studies (with an identifiable qualitative component) that were linked to a psychosocial intervention aimed at supporting survivors of sexual abuse and violence. Eligible studies focused on at least one of three participant groups: survivors of any age, gender, sexuality, ethnicity or [dis]ability who had received a psychosocial intervention; their carers, family members or partners; and professionals delivering such interventions. We placed no restrictions in respect of settings, locations, intervention delivery formats or durations. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Six review authors independently assessed the titles, abstracts and full texts identified. We extracted data using a form designed for this synthesis, then used this information and an appraisal of data richness and quality in order to stratify the studies using a maximum variation approach. We assessed the methodological limitations using the Critical Skills Appraisal Programme (CASP) tool. We coded directly onto the sampled papers using NVivo and synthesised data using a thematic synthesis methodology and used the GRADE-CERQual (Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) approach to assess our confidence in each finding. We used a narrative synthesis and matrix model to integrate our qualitative evidence synthesis (QES) findings with those of intervention review findings. MAIN RESULTS We identified 97 eligible studies and sampled 37 of them for our analysis. Most sampled studies were from high-income countries, with four from middle-income and two from low-income countries. In 27 sampled studies, the participants were survivors, in three they were intervention facilitators. Two included all three of our stakeholder groups, and five included two of our groups. The studies explored a wide range of psychosocial interventions, with only one type of intervention explored in more than one study. The review indicates that features associated with the context in which interventions were delivered had an impact on how individuals accessed and experienced interventions. This included organisational features, such as staff turnover, that could influence survivors' engagement with interventions; the setting or location in which interventions were delivered; and the characteristics associated with who delivered the interventions. Studies that assess the effectiveness of interventions typically assess their impact on mental health; however, as well as finding benefits to mental health, our QES found that study participants felt interventions also had positive impacts on their physical health, mood, understanding of trauma, interpersonal relationships and enabled them to re-engage with a wide range of areas in their lives. Participants explained that features of interventions and their contexts that best enabled them to benefit from interventions were also often things that could be a barrier to benefiting from interventions. For example, the relationship with the therapist, when open and warm was a benefit, but if such a relationship could not be achieved, it was a barrier. Survivors' levels of readiness and preparedness to both start and end interventions could have positive (if they were ready) or negative (if they were not) impacts. Study participants identified the potential risks and harms associated with completing interventions but felt that it was important to face and process trauma. Some elements of interventions were specific to the intervention type (e.g. faith-based interventions), or related to an experience of an intervention that held particular relevance to subgroups of survivors (e.g. minority groups); these issues could impact how individuals experienced delivering or receiving interventions. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We had high or moderate confidence in all but one of our review findings. Further research in low- and middle-income settings, with male survivors of sexual abuse and violence and those from minority groups could strengthen the evidence for low and moderate confidence findings. We found that few interventions had published quantitative and qualitative evaluations. Since this QES has highlighted important aspects that could enable interventions to be more suitable for survivors, using a range of methodologies would provide valuable information that could enhance intervention uptake, completion and effectiveness. This study has shown that although survivors often found interventions difficult, they also appreciated that they needed to work through trauma, which they said resulted in a wide range of benefits. Therefore, listening to survivors and providing appropriate interventions, at the right time for them, can make a significant difference to their health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Brown
- School of Law and Society, University of the Sunshine Coast, Sippy Downs, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences (HAS), University of the West of England (UWE), Bristol, UK
| | - Grace J Carter
- Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Gemma Halliwell
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Katherine Brown
- Department of Psychology and Sports Science, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Rachel Caswell
- Sexual Health and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Emma Howarth
- School of Psychology, University of East London, London, UK
| | - Gene Feder
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Lorna O'Doherty
- Institute for Health and Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
- Department of General Practice, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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El-Zammar D, Johal R, Eng J, Schulz T. Implementation of an emergency department virtual follow-up care process in a community-based hospital: a quality improvement initiative. BMJ Open Qual 2022; 11:bmjoq-2021-001782. [PMID: 35410950 PMCID: PMC9003622 DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2021-001782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients were apprehensive to seek acute care resulting in delayed diagnoses of serious conditions and reduction in emergency room (ER) visits by 50% in the Fraser Health Authority. Patients who did present to the ER left prior to their results being available and some refused admission and critical treatments. At the Chilliwack General Hospital ER, a virtual care clinic was established to follow-up on patients after their initial ER visit, providing test results and ensuring patients are not clinically deteriorating at home. Specific criteria were created for safe referral to virtual follow-up. For 2 hours daily, an ER physician contacts selected patients by telephone to provide a virtual follow-up based on the patients’ needs. Through the emergency department virtual care (EVC) pilot project, from May 14 to August 31, 2020, on average 58 telehealth visits were conducted weekly, with 19% of visits reaching unattached patients without a regular primary care provider. A patient survey revealed that 75% of respondents were very satisfied or satisfied with telephone virtual care as a follow-up to their emergency department (ED) visit, while 95% would like to continue to receive telephone follow-up care. Additionally, based on a physician survey, 80% of providers were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall EVC experience. The majority (80%) would like to continue to provide the service. One patient was referred for a virtual care follow-up for imaging results that did not meet the referral criteria; the patient was diagnosed with a perforated appendicitis. They had an atypical presentation of abdominal pain and their care was delayed by several hours than if they were to present to the ED for in-person follow-up. The process and referral criteria may require minor modification and must be followed strictly to ensure safety and efficiency in providing telehealth follow-up in the acute care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diala El-Zammar
- Chilliwack General Hospital Emergency Department, Fraser Health, Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Raj Johal
- Family Medicine, Fraser Health, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Janice Eng
- Quality Improvement, Fraser Health, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tiffany Schulz
- Quality Improvement, Fraser Health, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
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Creech SK, Pulverman CS, Kahler CW, Orchowski LM, Shea MT, Wernette GT, Zlotnick C. Computerized Intervention in Primary Care for Women Veterans with Sexual Assault Histories and Psychosocial Health Risks: a Randomized Clinical Trial. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:1097-1107. [PMID: 34013470 PMCID: PMC8971224 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-06851-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Sexual assault is a public health concern for women and is associated with subsequent psychosocial health risks of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), hazardous drinking, and intimate partner violence (IPV). Sexual assault is associated with social stigma and other barriers shown to inhibit one from seeking mental health care. Digital health technologies may overcome these barriers. OBJECTIVE To test the impact of a brief computerized intervention delivered in primary care to reduce health risks and increase mental health treatment utilization among women with histories of sexual assault and current health risks. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The Safe and Healthy Experiences (SHE) program was tested in a randomized controlled trial with N = 153 women veterans at a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) medical center, and they completed assessments at baseline, 2 months, and 4 months. INTERVENTION SHE is a brief motivational interviewing and psychoeducation-based computerized intervention. SHE was compared to a screen and referral-only control condition. MAIN MEASURES Health risks were measured via validated self-report instruments. Treatment initiation and utilization were measured via self-report and chart review. RESULTS SHE did not impact women's number of health risks (all p's > .05). However, women randomized to SHE showed significantly greater increases in treatment use compared to women in the control group, as measured by chart review (χ2 (1, n = 153) = 4.38, p = .036, rs = .16), and self-report (χ2 (1, n = 130) = 5.89, p = .015, rs = .21). SHE was found to be an acceptable intervention. CONCLUSIONS SHE was effective in improving mental health treatment initiation and utilization compared to a control group. Computer-based interventions to address sexual trauma and its consequences are acceptable, are highly scalable, and can add value to primary care with little cost or increase in provider time. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02957747.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzannah K Creech
- VA VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans and the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Waco, TX, USA.
- Dell Medical School of the University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Carey S Pulverman
- VA VISN 17 Center of Excellence for Research on Returning War Veterans and the Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Waco, TX, USA
- Dell Medical School of the University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Christopher W Kahler
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lindsay M Orchowski
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - M Tracie Shea
- Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Providence Veterans Administration Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Caron Zlotnick
- Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Doria N, Ausman C, Wilson S, Consalvo A, Sinno J, Boulos L, Numer M. Women's experiences of safety apps for sexualized violence: a narrative scoping review. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:2330. [PMID: 34969403 PMCID: PMC8719390 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-12292-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Sexualized violence against women is a significant human rights problem worldwide. Safety apps have the capacity to provide women with resources to prevent or respond to experiences of sexualized violence. Methods The aim of the following study was to review the scope of the literature on women’s experiences of safety apps related to sexualized violence. The databases Embase, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus were systematically searched, and seven studies were included in this review. Results Thematic analysis identified the following themes in the literature: (1) security; (2) accessibility; and (3) knowledge. Conclusion The gaps in the literature are identified and implications and recommendations for future research is discussed. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-021-12292-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Doria
- Dalhousie University, 6299 South St, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, USA.
| | | | - Susan Wilson
- Dalhousie University, 6299 South St, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, USA
| | | | - Jad Sinno
- University of Toronto, 155 College St Room 500, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M7, USA
| | - Leah Boulos
- Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit, 5790 University Avenue, Halifax, NS, B3H 1V7, USA
| | - Matthew Numer
- Dalhousie University, 6299 South St, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, USA
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9
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Gilmore AK, Leone RM, Hahn CK, Oesterle D, Davidson TM. Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Care After a Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Examination. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC NURSING 2021; 17:84-92. [PMID: 33756526 PMCID: PMC8387315 DOI: 10.1097/jfn.0000000000000321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research indicates low rates of accessing mental health care following sexual assault; however, barriers associated with accessing care are not well understood. DESIGN Participants (N = 37) were recruited from a local hospital following a sexual assault medical forensic examination (SAMFE). Hierarchical linear regressions models examined the effects of age, racial identity, student status, insurance status, relationship to perpetrator, time since assault, problematic drinking, and posttraumatic stress symptoms on (a) barriers to accessing care and (b) the likelihood of seeking mental health treatment at no charge. RESULTS Lack of insurance was associated with more barriers to accessing mental health care and a higher likelihood of seeking post-SAMFE care at no charge. Posttraumatic stress symptoms were associated with more barriers to accessing care (p = 0.038). Identifying as a student (p = 0.026) and engaging in problematic drinking (p = 0.047) were associated with a lower likelihood of seeking post-SAMFE care, whereas increased symptoms of posttraumatic stress were associated with a greater likelihood of seeking post-SAMFE care (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS Providing post-SAMFE care, irrespective of insurance, may be a needed first step in addressing the mental health needs of individuals with recent sexual assault. Secondary prevention programs targeted toward alcohol misuse may also be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K. Gilmore
- Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development, School of Public Health, Georgia State University
- Department of Health Policy & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University
| | - Ruschelle M. Leone
- Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development, School of Public Health, Georgia State University
- Department of Health Policy & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University
| | - Christine K. Hahn
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Dan Oesterle
- Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development, School of Public Health, Georgia State University
- Department of Health Policy & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University
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10
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Day S, Singh GJ, Jones S, Kinsella R. Sexual assault reporting amongst users of online sexual health services. Int J STD AIDS 2020; 32:280-285. [DOI: 10.1177/0956462420963940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Sexual assault (SA) survivors often attend sexual health clinics (SHC) for care relating to their assault. Reported rates of SA amongst SHC attendees can be high. Online sexual health services are becoming increasingly popular. Sexual Health London (SHL) is a large online sexual transmitted infection (STI) screening service. Between 1.1.20– 8.2.20, 0.5% (242/45841) (54% female, 45.6% male) of adults disclosed a recent SA when ordering an online STI testing kit. 79% (192/242) users engaged in a call back discussion initiated by the SHL team: 45% (87/192) users confirmed a SA had occurred and 53% (101/242) users denied an assault (particularly men) stating they had reported this in error. 18% (16/87) users had already reported their SA to the police/sexual assault centre, and one user accepted an onward referral. This study found a low reporting rate of SA amongst SHL users, but despite a high response rate to call backs, >50% cited they reported in error, 25% (22/87) didn’t want to discuss their SA and few accepted onward referrals. Using e-triage to screen for SA followed by service-initiated telephonic support to everyone who discloses, may not be acceptable or offer utility to all. Further evaluation of ways to engage these individuals is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Day
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Sophie Jones
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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11
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Short NA, Morabito DM, Gilmore AK. Secondary prevention for posttraumatic stress and related symptoms among women whohave experienced a recent sexual assault: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Depress Anxiety 2020; 37:1047-1059. [PMID: 32442345 PMCID: PMC7680285 DOI: 10.1002/da.23030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women who have experienced a recent sexual assault (SA) are at high risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions, with approximately half of women experiencing SA meeting criteria for PTSD. There are no guidelines for the prevention of PTSD and other common mental health disorders after SA. Thus, the purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to synthesize research on secondary preventions for PTSD after SA, determine efficacy whether any intervention seems promising, and ascertain when, how, and to whom interventions should be delivered. METHODS After searching electronic databases for secondary preventions for PTSD and related conditions among women who have experienced a recent SA, 17 studies were reviewed, their quality was rated on the clinical trial assessment measure, and 10 studies were meta-analyzed (7 were excluded, as they were not randomized controlled trials or due to the absence of heterogeneity). RESULTS Results suggested a small-to-moderate effect of prevention on reducing PTSD and related symptoms. There was no moderating effect of medication versus psychosocial interventions, timing, treatment modality, or targeted versus universal prevention. Half of the studies were of high quality. CONCLUSION Cognitive-behavioral secondary preventions for PTSD appear to be safe and effective among women who have experienced a recent SA. Future research should identify best practices and mechanisms of treatment, and once identified, it should move toward implementation science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A. Short
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Amanda K. Gilmore
- Department of Health Policy & Behavioral Sciences and Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
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