Emergency department visits in Connecticut for survivors of sexual assault before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ABSTRACT:

Study objective

We evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on care for survivors of sexual assault in three urban Emergency Departments (ED) in the United States.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients who presented after sexual assault to three EDs during 6-month intervals before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We excluded individuals <18 years old. We performed a structured chart review to ascertain demographics, ED treatments, and adherence to guidelines for care of sexual assault survivors.

Results

Of 105 patients who received care after a sexual assault, 57 presented during the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority were female, White/Caucasian, and presented within 120 h of sexual assault. There was an increase in ED presentations for sex

SUBMITTER: Yang D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9927790 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature