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Background: Research about rape victims´ adherence to antiretroviral drugs have shown better results in developing than in developed countries, but little data is known about long-term follow up.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective medical chart review of patients who sought the emergency room, up to 72 hours after SV, 2001-2013. Eligible patients were prescribed HIV/STD chemoprophylaxis (antiretroviral drugs, ceftriaxone, metronidazole, azithromycin), hepatitis B immunization and submitted to a laboratory screening and follow-up (lab FU) that consisted of detection of anti-HIV, hepatitis B and C and syphilis antibodies. The study outcome – adherence to chemoprophylaxis and lab FU was classified as: incomplete (G1); complete chemoprophylaxis (G2) (28 days antiretroviral) and complete lab FU (G3) (patients who completed hepatitis B immunization, and underwent 2 lab screenings on days 60 and 180). Using the Chi2 and Student's t tests, G2 and G3 were compared to G1 in regard to independent variable: age, ethnicity, gender and SV characteristics [(known or unknown perpetrator), (vaginal, oral or anal penetration; ejaculation)]; having at least one psychotherapy consultation (Psy); having family or friend support (Ffs).
Results: Out of 198 eligible patients, 167 were prescribed HIV/STD prophylaxis; 80.4%(n=160) female and 19.6%(=38) male; 76.9%(n=153) over 14 years old; G2=61.7%(n=103) and G3=44.9%(n=89). Anal penetration and ejaculation were associated with complete chemoprophylaxis (p=.048 and p=.0085), whereas anal and oral penetration (p=.013 and p=.025) with complete lab FU; Psy and Ffs (p<.001) with completion of both. Syphilis antibodies were detected in 1(n=84) patient. No patient tested positive for HIV, hepatitis B or C infection on day 180.
Conclusions:Our results highlight factors associated with completion of prophylactic interventions and their effectiveness to avoid HIV/STD in rape victims.