4143.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - Board 5

Abstract #24405

Treatment of survivors of sexual assault in U.S. emergency rooms

Nomi Rotbard, MPH, Division of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia University, 251 W. 89th Street, 9F, New York, NY 10024, 212-877-8746, nr192@columbia.edu

Sexual assault is a public health issue of great import on an individual and a systemic level. At the individual level, sexual assault has physical as well as profound emotional effects. At a systemic level, it impacts the health care system because of the ongoing needs of survivors for the myriad services to treat the emotional and physical ailments that result both directly and indirectly from sexual assault. The scope of this project will include several elements. A data analysis will be performed using the 1997 CDC National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Variables will include individual demographics as well as those detailing care received. These variables will be examined in order to determine where a lack of care or a lower standard of care is indicated and whether there is a bias in care received. The results of the data analysis will then be placed in context according to current literature on sexual assault and the long term effects on survivors. Thus, it is hoped that conclusions may be drawn about the quality of care provided to survivors and that recommendations may be made for an appropriate standard of care.

Learning Objectives: N/A

Keywords: Sexual Assault, Violence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA