The Refentse model for post-rape care: Strengthening sexual assault care and HIV post-exposure prophylaxis in a district hospital in rural South Africa

An earlier study (Meel, 2003) showed that more than 90% of victims of sexual assault in Transkei region, South Africa, were HIV-seronegative at the time of the incident. This was despite the fact that the community had a high prevalence of HIV. In sexual assault cases post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is recommended to prevent HIV transmission. Therefore, therapy with zidovudine (AZT) and lamivudine (3TC) is justified. The purpose of this study is to describe the demographic characteristics of the victims, to assess the outcome of HIV transmission and to evaluate the success of PEP after its implementation in Transkei. There were 594 victims of sexual assault during the study period at Sinawe Centre from 2000-2003. Of these, 346 (58.2%) were children under the age of 15 years. Seventeen children (2.9%) were found to be HIV positive at the first test. Among the adults, 58(9.8%) tested HIV positive. Of the 225 who attended after PEP was introduced, only two were found to be HIV seropositive at the time of the incident. A second test was recommended after four weeks and a third after 12 weeks. The majority of the victims did not report for the second test, but all 35 who did come to be tested were seronegative. Seventeen of those were between 11-15 years of age. Only seven victims came for the third test, and they, too, were negative. Nausea and vomiting were the commonest side effects of PEP treatment in four patients and one developed a generalized rash. Only one victim seroconverted.

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Low awareness and use of post-exposure prophylaxis among adolescents and young adults in South Africa: implications for the prevention of new HIV infections

African Journal of AIDS Research ◽

10.2989/16085906.2020.1811356 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 19 (3) ◽

pp. 242-248

Author(s):

Anthony Idowu Ajayi ◽

Mohammed Sanusi Yusuf ◽

Elmon Mudefi ◽

Oladele Vincent Adeniyi ◽

Ntombana Rala ◽

...

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Young Adults ◽

Hiv Infections ◽

Adolescents And Young Adults ◽

Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽

Post Exposure ◽

Exposure Prophylaxis

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986. Improvement in Administration of HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis in the Emergency Department Following Sexual Assault

Open Forum Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1093/ofid/ofaa439.1172 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. S521-S522

Author(s):

Jennifer R Silva-Nash ◽

Stacie Bordelon ◽

Ryan K Dare ◽

Sherrie Searcy

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Sexual Assault ◽

Hiv Transmission ◽

Post Exposure Prophylaxis ◽

Intervention Period ◽

Post Intervention ◽

Post Exposure ◽

Assault Victims ◽

Exposure Prophylaxis

Abstract Background Nonoccupational post exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) following sexual assault can prevent HIV transmission. A standardized Emergency Department (ED) protocol for evaluation, treatment, and follow up for post assault victims was implemented to improve compliance with CDC nPEP guidelines. Methods A single-center observational study of post sexual assault patients before/after implementation of an ED nPEP protocol was conducted by comparing the appropriateness of prescriptions, labs, and necessary follow up. A standardized order-set based on CDC nPEP guidelines, with involvement of an HIV pharmacist and ID clinic, was implemented during the 2018-2019 academic year. Clinical data from pre-intervention period (07/2016-06/2017) was compared to post-intervention period (07/2018-08/2019) following a 1-year washout period. Results During the study, 147 post-sexual assault patients (59 Pre, 88 Post) were included. One hundred thirty-three (90.4%) were female, 68 (46.6%) were African American and 133 (90.4%) were candidates for nPEP. Median time to presentation following assault was 12.6 hours. nPEP was offered to 40 (67.8%) and 84 (95.5%) patients (P< 0.001) and ultimately prescribed to 29 (49.2%) and 71 (80.7%) patients (P< 0.001) in pre and post periods respectively. Renal function (37.3% vs 88.6%; P< 0.001), pregnancy (39.0% vs 79.6%; P< 0.001), syphilis (3.4% vs 89.8%; P< 0.001), hepatitis B (15.3% vs 95.5%; P< 0.001) and hepatitis C (27.1% vs 94.3%) screening occurred more frequently during the post period. Labratory, nPEP Prescription and Follow up Details for Patients Prescribed nPEP Conclusion The standardization of an nPEP ED protocol for sexual assault victims resulted in increased nPEP administration, appropriateness of prescription, screening for other sexually transmitted infectious and scheduling follow up care. While guideline compliance dramatically improved, further interventions are likely warranted in this vulnerable population. Disclosures Ryan K. Dare, MD, MS, Accelerate Diagnostics, Inc (Research Grant or Support)

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